PREGAMEKansas Volume 17 | 2022 Additional major sponsorship provided by the following valued partners Football PreviewFREE Courtesy of our Advertisers Featured Cover Sponsor www.kansaspregame.com TOPPROSPECTS
Fathers on the sidelines with sons on the field, twins brothers with key roles on the team, and even cousins putting the family connection into action. For these families it’s more than a game. Check out their features starting on page
The Family has engaged in a variety of philanthropic activity over the years and Family Over Everything was established as a private foundation in 2017 to formalize and streamline existing charitable efforts. For more information visit foefoundation.org. Private University in north central kansas! Kansas by Heather Kindall Photography
*The phrase “Family Over Everything” was popularized by former University of Kansas basketball players Marcus and Markeiff Morris and Thomas Robinson, Jr.
www.kwu.edu55. FamilyF.O.E.OverEverything!
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The sport of football is often a family affair, and no more so than for these coaches and players from across Kansas.
Building Men through Accountability, toughneSS, and authenticity. Interested in visiting campus, please contact football coach Patrick Daberkow at 402-643-7217 or patrick.daberkow@cune.edu for more details. Learn more about Bulldog football at cune.edu/football FootballUniversityConcordia Omaha SewardLincolnAthletesNAIALeaderAll-TimeinScholar Agricultural science ExerciseEducationBusinessScience MAJORS OF INTEREST LOCATION 1,200 STUDENTS CONCORDIACALLHOME C HR I STIA N SC HLEP P Manhattan High School Hometown: Manhattan, Kan. Major: Education PE Y T O N MITC HE L L Waverly High School Hometown: Waverly, Kan. Major: Business Administration C AYDREN COX Beloit High Hometown:SchoolBeloit, Kan. Major: Business Administration faSt FactS ZA C WA LTE R Lincoln High School Hometown: Lincoln, Kan. Major: Business AdministrationSignup for a game day visit.
I remember being very aware of who the best teams in the state were back then, even in elementary school, partly because many of them played in the Mid-Continent League –Norton, Osborne, Plainville, Victoria and Stockton all joined Smith Center as football State Champions from the MCL in the 1980s – and partly because of the excellent high school sports coverage by my hometown Smith County Pioneer, and the daily newspaper for the area, the Salina Journal – which back then provided the very best coverage of high school sports for teams in a huge swath of northwest Kansas.
CombineSharpSeries HometownCSB&TProud BSF/SC FoundationFootballNationalhonors 2023 = Top Prospects 9 13 20 25 What’s inside? 6A 5A 4A 3A 2A 69 77 85 93 103 1131A 1218-ManI 1318-ManII 1396-Man
John Baetz & Bree Mcreynolds-Baetz, PuBlishers Co-owners of Sixteen 60 Publishing Co., publishers of Kansas Pregame Football Magazine and the Kansas Pregame Winter and Spring Editions, along with other specialty publications.
A Living Legend Retires JOHN
Welcome to Kansas Pregame 2022!
As a boy growing up in Smith Center I had one goal from the moment I saw my older brother and his teammates win the 1982 3A State Championship over Wellsville; to do the same thing with my classmates!
Advertising Sales: John Baetz Staff Writer: Keegan McCullick Intern: Lauryn Dubbert Contributing Photographers: Bree McReynolds-Baetz Photography; Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com; Joey Bahr, Acknowledgments:joeybahr.comWith a project of this size and scope we can’t possibly thank all the contributors, but a special “Thank You!” goes out to the coaches, athletic directors, parents and athletes who helped us secure team information. Thank you to the advertisers - without your support this publication would not be a reality. To all those involved with the completion of this publication in any way, Thank You! Mail inquiries to kansaspregame@gmail.com or Kansas Pregame, PO Box 186, Lincoln, KS 67455
In high school I was aware of the best teams in 3A because the goal was to beat them: Plainville with Scott Smetana and DJ Basgall, Norton with players like Mike Coffey and Jeremy Hawks, Smoky Valley under coach Gary Sandbo, the Hesston Swathers with their unique mascot and unbelievable kicker, Ryan Achilles, Riverton with standout Andy Ball, Wichita Collegiate and future Notre Dame offensive lineman Chris Clevenger, just to name a few. But one team stood out above all others – the Silver Lake Eagles – and one name was synonymous with Silver Lake football – CJ Hamilton. I remember thinking early in high school, “I hope I get the chance to play Silver Lake.” (Full disclosure, I did not, my varsity career included zero trips to the playoffs, an embarrassing period in Smith Center that no one talks about, but I digress.) From 1980 to 1989 Silver Lake made four 3A title games with three championships. The Eagles would add three more title game appearances in the 1990s – and two more titles, including one over Smith Center in 1997 in one of the all-time great championship games – before going on a historic run of 11 championship game appearances in 12 seasons from 2002-2013. The Eagles won just three of those title games, but the consistency, to finish in the biggest game of them all for over a decade, is unbelievable. To put it in perspective, many of the seniors from the 2002 team were almost 30 when the run of championship appearances ended in 2013. The Eagles haven’t made a trip to the state championship game since the 2013 victory over Beloit – in large part due to the emergence of rival Rossville as a state dynasty – but the man responsible for that consistency continued to lead his hometown Silver Lake to winning seasons until his retirement earlier this year. Coach Hamilton retires as the all-time wins leader in Kansas high school football history with 447 victories in 47 years, with a two-year stint coaching collegiately early in his tenure at Silver Lake. Hamilton led the Eagles to 39 Mid-East League titles and made the postseason 40 times. He ends his career 15th on the all-time high school football coaching wins list, according to High School Football America. The consistency is staggering. It’s hard to imagine anyone will coach long enough, and be successful enough, to pass Hamilton’s all-time win mark. Winning the league title 39 times, in one of the state’s very best small school leagues, is another feather in Hamilton’s hat. Wanna know how tough the league is? All five remaining teams in the MEL posted winning seasons last year with four of them posting seven wins or better. Entering the 2022 season knowing Hamilton will not lead the charge at Silver Lake makes it feel just a bit different, but in the past few years I’ve gotten to know new Silver Lake head coach Logan Pegram. One of the all-time great Silver Lake offensive linemen, and a proud son of the tradition-rich program, Pegram appears prepared to take on the challenge of following the G.O.A.T. And it’s not as though there won’t be a Hamilton on the sideline for the Eagles this fall. Sons Travis and Trevor, and nephew Nick, are all on Pegram’s coaching staff, and the field that Hamilton watched over for five decades features a permanent memory of his success, his signature in the recently installed turf at a field named in his honor.Congratulations on an incredible career leading an inspiring multiple generations of young men, coach Hamilton!
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More coverage at KansasPregame.com Look for additional coverage of high school sports at KansasPregame.com. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for more details and visit KansasPregame.com early and often. always: Let the coaches coach, the officials officiate, the players play, and be a great fan of high school sports! BAETZ, PUBLISHER
PregameKansas
For the past 17 years Kansas Pregame has provided the most complete preview of high school football in the Sunflower State. Find expanded coverage of Kansas high school sports, digital editions of our magazines, and a list of free print distribution locations at www.kansaspregame.com. Find us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram
As
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 3
Publication Date: Volume 17, August 12, 2022 Kansas Pregame Football Magazine was founded by John and Bree Baetz and Tim McGonagle in 2005. The 2022 Kansas Pregame cover features were photographed by Joey Bahr at the Kansas Highway Patrol Training Academy in Salina, Kan. The Kansas Highway Patrol has a wide variety of career options to offer those focused on providing Service, Courtesy, and Protection to the citizens and State of Kansas. For more information visit CoverKHPJOBS.org.sponsorship provided by the Kansas Highway Patrol, Rolling Hills Zoo and Wildlife Museum, Sharp Performance, Seatbelts Are For Everyone and Visit Salina:
SHARP-PERFORMANCE.COM • 785.404.1544 • INFO@SHARPKS.COM ARE YOU THE NEXT TRAINED ATHLETE?KADENDAVIS Denver / NW Missouri State / Ellsworth HSJOSH RIVAS New York / Kansas State / Hutchinson HS JAKE EISENHAUER KU / Salina Central HS JORDAN SCHIPPERS Kansas State / Colby HS CODY STUFFLEBEAN Kansas State / McPherson HS HUNTER BUDKE Fort Hays State / Beloit HS TAYLON PETERS Washburn / Salina Central HS BRENDAN WEBB South Dakota / Buhler HS HAYDEN GILLUM Kansas State / Plainville HS
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Publisher John Baetz has been a great partner of the KFBCA for years and has given us this opportunity to reach out to high school coaches across Kansas and highlight some of the important benefits of KFBCA membership:
Jace Pavlovich
.COM Membership Strengthens The KFBCA ShawKendall
The following day, all of the coaches in attendance will meet to select a Top 11 team, go over rule changes, and agree on initiatives the KFBCA would like to endorse and share with the statewide athletic directors association and the Kansas State High School Activities Association. This meeting will be at the Drury Hotel on Monday, December 5th, at 10 a.m. On this Monday, members will also vote on a new class of KFBCA Hall of Fame coaches. The 2021 Hall of Fame class – the second Hall of Fame class selected by the KFBCA – included Eric Driskell, Gary O’Ohair, Mark Littrell, and Rick Wheeler.
• The KFBCA message board allows coaches to find and share information about job openings, camps, and other important news. To register and post visit http://kfbca.proboards.com/.•TheKFBCAisopentoall football coaches in your program: Head, assistant, and youth coaches. A staff membership is a great way to network with your fellow football coaches around the state and have a voice in the future develop ment of the sport of football in Kansas. If you, or your staff, are not currently members, please consider joining the KFBCA and further strengthening this valuable organization. For more information, or to join, visit www.kfbca.com. Clinic All-State Selection • Message Board Initiative Promotion a KFBCA Membership!
• The KFBCA annual Winter Coaching Clinic held each February is free to dues paying members. This two-day event has been held in many locations in Wichita. We have had many great college and high school coaches speak at our clinic. The KFBCA expects to continue this great event for our coaches again following this season.
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The Hall of Fame Presentation will be tucked in between our featured speak ers once again. Our first two Hall of Fame presentations were a huge success and we can’t wait to see the next class inducted during the presentation in February. We look forward to learning from the Hall of Famers by ending the night with a Legends Panel on the main clinic stage. This is quickly growing into one of the weekend’s most anticipated events! The clinic continues the next morning with a great line-up of speakers ending at noon Saturday. The KFBCA is very proud of our Winter Coaching Clinic and hope to have another great one next February after missing the in-person event in 2021.
I am Jace Pavlovich, President of the Kansas Football Coaches Association and the head football coach at McPherson High School.
The KFBCA is proud to partner with Kansas Pregame Football Magazine to bring a comprehensive statewide preview to the state of Kansas. For the last 17 years Kansas Pregame has been the number one name in preseason high school football coverage in the Sunflower State.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 5
Consider
• The KFBCA has also used the December meeting to allow coaches interested in powerlifting to meet and organize their Winter and Spring schedules. The KFBCA meeting will continue to offer this time for coaches to organize powerlifting meets in Kansas.
Coaching
• Membership gives your players an opportunity to be selected to the KFBCA All-State teams. The KFBCA hosts Kansas High School Football coaches at a meeting in December to select the best senior football players in the state of Kansas. Coaches meet with colleagues in their respective classification and watch film of nominees to select All-State teams for each 11-Man class. Members met at the Homewood Suites in Salina following the 2020 season and added a Zoom call to ensure everyone could participate safely given the COVID-19 pandemic. Last year coaches gathered in-person for the All-State selection meeting, this time at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview in Wichita. The 2022 All-State selection meeting will again be hosted at the Drury Plaza Hotel Broadview in Wichita, Sunday, December 4th. Players selected for this team will receive a plaque from the KFBCA. College coaches are invited to attend this meeting to watch film as part of their recruiting efforts. Only member schools are allowed to nominate players for the All-State team.
• You can ask the doctor questions about your child’s health
VACCINATION HELPS PROTECT YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH
VACCINATION HELPS PROTECT YOUR CHILD’S HEALTH WELL-CHILD CHECKUPS ARE ESSENTIAL
WELL-CHILD CHECKUPS ARE ESSENTIAL
• The doctor tracks your child’s growth and development
VACCINESANDCHECKUPSONROUTINE
• Routine vaccinations during childhood help prevent 14 diseases
• The doctor tracks your child’s growth and development
As your family gets back to routines, it’s important for your child to catch up on checkups and recommended vaccines to help protect their health now and in the future. UP
As your family gets back to routines, it’s important for your child to catch up on checkups and recommended vaccines to help protect their health now and in the future. UP
• Among children born from 1994-2018, vaccinations will prevent an estimated 936,000 early deaths, 8 million hospitalizations, and 419 million illnesses
• Your child gets recommended vaccinations Help protect your child’s health by keeping them on track with recommended vaccinations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Lincoln County Health Department recommend children stay on track with routine vaccinations to help protect them from serious diseases.
• Routine vaccinations during childhood help prevent 14 diseases
Have questions about vaccines? Talk to your child’s doctor or call the Lincoln County Health Department at (785) 524-4406.
• Your child gets recommended vaccinations Help protect your child’s health by keeping them on track with recommended vaccinations.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Lincoln County Health Department recommend children stay on track with routine vaccinations to help protect them from serious diseases.
CATCH
• You can ask the doctor questions about your child’s health
Have questions about vaccines? Talk to your child’s doctor or call the Lincoln County Health Department at (785) 524-4406.
www.cdc.gov/vaccines/routine
CATCH
VACCINESANDCHECKUPSONROUTINE
• Among children born from 1994-2018, vaccinations will prevent an estimated 936,000 early deaths, 8 million hospitalizations, and 419 million illnesses
Sylvan-LucasStecklein,Jude After 46 years of service as a toSteckleincaseducator,administrator,coach,andSylvan-LuUnified’sJudedecidedcallitacareeratthe end May, and his retirement is well-deserved.
Starting his career at Oberlin High School in 1976, Stecklein spent eight years as an English and P.E. teacher at OHS before moving on to Sylvan Grove in 1984 to take over as the high school principal and head boys’ basketball Incoach.1991, Stecklein worked his way into the USD #299 superintendent position, while also serving as the grade school principal at Sylvan Unified Elementary, but he was not one to stay cooped up behind a desk. “At school he did anything that needed to be done – substituted, swept the gym floor between games, drove kids to different schools or practices, picked kids up, took kids home, etc.,” said a longtime colleague of Stecklein. “He did any job that needed to be done, for the school or the kids, without worrying whether it was under his superintendent job description or not. At the grade school and high school it was common to see him doing anything and every thing, so nothing really seemed outside of his Steckleinrole.”coached the boys’ basketball team from 1984 to 2014, winning the 1A State Championship and KBCA Coach of the Year award in 1996. He later served as the head baseball coach for many years and assisted multiple other sports in his lengthy tenure. Now he’ll look to spend more time serving as a mentor to his eight grand children with the assistance of his wife of more than 40 years, Rachel, and their three adult children.
EXPERIENCE 5G BUILT BY KANSANS
HaysBalman,DanHigh Hays High’s Dan Balman first took at turn as a public address announcer at Paw nee Heights High School in Rozel, Kan., in 1983. After wrapping up his own foot ball practice, he announced junior high football, and a personal passion project took off for the then teenager. In 2003 at Hays High, he began announcing football, men’s and women’s soccer, swimming, and basketball. He also announced softball until 2016, baseball until 2013, and Hays High track from 2003-2007. And he’s picked up the micro phone to announce wrestling meets, dance and cheer routines, marching band, and school danc es. He also has recently been asked to announce “Danvolleyball.Balman is an absolute professional at his craft and a champion for all kids,” Hays High football coach Tony Crough said. “He does more behind the scenes than most do in front, receives little credit for it, and never asks for any Asideattention.”from being the “Voice of the Indians,” Balman also serves as a social studies and video productions teacher . “I have been the PA voice for the Hays High Indians going into my 20th year,” Balman said. “I love every minute I get to be behind the mic because I get to see the best student-athletes in the best seat in the house.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 7
FALL SUPPORTING CAST
About Nex-Tech Wireless Our mission at Nex-Tech Wireless: providing an unrivaled customer experience by bringing trusted technology and superior service to our hometowns Our core values: • We have integrity • We are custom er driven • We partner with and are involved in our communities • We practice respect and empowerment utilizing a fun team environment • We pursue aware ness and innovation in all aspects of our business For more information visit: www.nex-techwireless.com Kansas Pregame & Nex-Tech Wireless are joining forces to recognize the individuals behind the scenes who help area school sports teams achieve success. Administrators, team managers, assistant coaches, booster club members & more. FOR KANSANS.
“As our guys walk onto the bus, they always greet the driver. Judy will normally give a little emotional pep talk to the boys on the way out of the parking lot. When she’s finished you tend to hear a lot of ‘thank-you’s’ and ‘love you’s’ coming from the back of the bus. As our boys exit, every one of them says ‘Thank you, Judy!’ And it never fails as she will tell them ‘good luck’ and call them all by their first names. She’s been incredible.”
Judy ofSoutheastHall,Saline After 42 years of safely busing stu dents and athletes for Southeast of Saline, Judy Hall of Gypsum made the decision to turn in her keys at the end of the school year. She was honored and recognized by the school in May for her four decades of “Judyservice.began at Southeast of Saline 42 years ago,” Trojan boys’ basketball coach Bryson Flax said. “Everything she has done throughout her career has been for the safety and well-being of our children. She’s irreplaceable to our district. It’s difficult to find someone who is so caring and passionate about their job. It’s really not a job to her though, she genuinely loves these kids. How can someone who’s been doing it for so long, cross paths with so many people, remember all of their names and some sort of story to go along with them? That’s Judy Hall.”
Flax, who rode the bus as a student-ath lete in the mid-2000s before taking over as basketball coach at SES in 2018, has taken plenty of road trips on Hall’s bus, and he, along with his team, are sure to miss Hall.
Our team of physicians include Dr. Matthew Pyle, Sports Medicine Physician and orthopedic surgeons Drs. Travis Rump and Todd Reilly. They provide specialty sports medicine care, whether it’s general sports medicine such as treating sports injuries, ultrasound guided joint injections, nutrition, concussion management or surgery. Plus, an A-team including certified athletic trainers and physical therapists who work with athletes at every level.
520 S. Santa Fe, Ste. 240 | Salina, KS | salinaregionalsportsmedicine.com | 785-452-7366
Shelby Barrett, ATC Ell-Saline High School
Matthew Pyle, D.O. Sports Medicine Physician
Abe Noll, ATC Smoky Valley High School and Southeast of Saline High School
Evan Bowers, ATC Salina South High School
The home-field advantage starts here. Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine is proud to be the sports medicine provider to area high schools and colleges.
Cody Moon, ATC Salina Central High School
We offer comprehensive care that includes education to prevent sports injuries, sports performance, and the healing and preservation of damaged joints through surgery and rehabilitation.
At school, on the field or in our clinic, Salina Regional Orthopedic and Sports Medicine has everything you need to get back in the game and keep you in the game.
TalentTopShowcaseEventsSharpKansas
The Sharp Performance Combine Series continues to provide exposure opportunities for hundreds of Kansas high school football players each spring and summer. The Free Combine in March, the Showcase in April, and the Top Prospect event in June, saw some of the top players from across the state post top marks and earn college offers on the spot. Coaches and media members agree, the SP Combine Series showcases more top talent than any other Kansas testing or showcase events. By Keegan McCullick & John Baetz, Kansas Pregame With the easing of pandemic restrictions earlier this spring and summer the Sharp Performance Combine Series returned to normalcy and it did not disappoint. Hundreds of athletes from across the state posted outstanding marks at testing events, and the Top Prospect Showcase in early June included one of the highest ranked groups of athletes the state has ever seen.
Boswell was named first team All-State by Sports in Kansas at linebacker. He picked up an offer from FCS University of North Dakota on June 19th and verbally committed to the Fighting Hawks in early July. Boswell is part of an outstanding group of senior skill players returning for Holton this fall with quarterback/safe ty Matthew Lierz, running back/linebacker Garyson Booth, and running back/linebacker Jayden Fletcher all posting great numbers at SP events this spring and summer.
Remy Stull, Hays High, DB, 6-1, 190, 2023: Stull is a somewhat forgotten prospect in a loaded Kansas Class of 2023. He showed off an incredible skill set at both the March Combine and the April Showcase running consistently in the 4.7s in the 40 and jumping more than 37 inches in the vertical jump. He also showed off great strength with nine reps at 225 on bench. Stull was a key junior on an otherwise senior-laden Hays’ defense last season tallying 61 tackles, four for loss, two interceptions, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. He received first team All-WAC and All-State honorable men tion honors at defensive back and helped the 8-3 Indians to one of their best seasons in school history. The offers are beginning to pile up for Stull – who projects as a safety or outside linebacker at the next level
Highly touted 2023 prospects like Kapaun’s Will Anciaux, KC-Piper’s Camden Beebe, Lawrence Free State’s Calvin Clements, Derby’s Dylan Edwards, Collegiate’s Wesley Fair, Maize’s Avery Johnson and Highland Park’s Tre Richardson helped create a buzz about the Top Prospect Showcase, but for most of those athletes their emergence on major college recruiting radar came from performances months ago, along with outstanding football seasons as sophomores and juniors. For those of us who cover high school football regularly, the real excitement in covering Sharp Performance Events is watching breakout performances from under-the-radar players followed by new college offers. In the past, those notable performances came from recent Power 5 signees like Jaren Kanak, Darell Jones, Tobi Osunsanmi, Mason Ellis, and more. Let’s take a closer look at a few breakout performances from the 2022 Sharp Performance Combine Series. Tyrell Reed, Highland Park, RB, 5-9, 190, 2023: Highland Park senior Tyrell Reed enjoyed perhaps the biggest day at the April 30th Showcase and earned offers from Butler Community College and Bethel College at the event. Reed ran a 4.39 hand-timed 40-yard dash, a 4.37 pro agility shuttle, posted a 36.5 inch vertical jump, a 103 inch broad jump and added three reps of 225 on bench at 5-9,His190.performance at the event turned heads and earned him invites to numerous prospect camps as well as a scholarship offer from FCS South Dakota the week following the event, and an offer from Emporia State later in the Reedsummer.transferred to Highland Park from Topeka West early last season and rushed for 884 yards on just 73 carries for the Scots with 10 TDs and added 19 catches for 324 yards and three more TDs. Reed is also one of the top sprinters in Kansas and consistently posts times in the upper 10 second range in the 100 meter dash with a personal best of 10.5 seconds. Malachi Berg, Topeka West, QB, 6-1, 205, 2023: If Berg’s former Topeka West teammate Tyrell Reed was the MVP of the April 30th Showcase, then Berg was likely the runner-up. Widely regarded as the top QB at the event, Berg showed off a great mix of size, speed, arm strength, accuracy, and all-around athleticism. He picked up offers from NAIA programs Sterling, Bethel, and Mid-America Nazarene this offseason, along with Hutchinson Community College. Also on most area DIs’ and DIIs’ radar, Berg had camp invites to K-State, KU, Northern Iowa, Nebraska, and Mizzou this summer, with visits to prospect camps at Emporia State, Washburn, and Northwest Missouri State. Berg ran 4.66 in the 40, jumped 29.3 inches in the vertical and 105 inches in the broad jump at the April 30th event, while also benching an impressive eight reps at 225. He slipped on both his pro agility tries so the num bers didn’t accurately reflect his ability to change direction quickly.Bergrecorded stats of 997 yards with 12 TDs and only two interceptions on 70 for 120 passing for the Chargers last fall to go along with 672 yards rushing with eight more scores on 82 carries for a 3-6 squad. He was also a starter for the state qualifying Topeka West basketball team that won 21 games on the season. Jace Boswell, Holton, FB/LB, 6-1, 220, 2023: Boswell showed off an impressive blend of explosiveness and strength at the April 30th Showcase with 15 reps of 225 on bench, a 33.2 inch vertical, a 109 inch broad jump, a 4.75 second 40, and a 4.28 pro agility drill.
Left: Washburn Rural brought several incredibly talented players to SP Combine Series Events this spring and sum mer. The Junior Blues appear ready to make some noise in 6A this fall. Pictured, left to right: Amr Sabbarini, JC Heim, Jacob Hawks, Shane Sexton, Jaren Heim, Jamond Lane, and Branton DeWeese. (Submitted Photo)
Last season, Boswell helped lead the 11-1 Wildcats to the 3A semifinals with 655 rushing yards and six touch downs on 6.5 yards per carry, along with 47 tackles, three tackles for loss, and two sacks.
Right: Highland Park senior Tyrell Reed had a big day at the SP Showcase Event in April, recording a pair of hand-timed 40s in the high 4.3s and picked up offers from Bethel and Butler the day of the event. Just a few days later he added an offer from FCS University of South Dakota. (Photo: John Baetz)
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17
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JC Heim, Washburn Rural, RB/OLB, 6-2, 210, 2024: Heim has a strong frame with good speed and excellent lateral quickness and change of direction. His size and speed combination helped him to record 74 tackles, eight for loss, a sack, two fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles on de fense as a sophomore last fall. Offensively he rushed for 320 yards and five touch downs on 44 carries, good for a 7.4 yard per carry average. He earned all-league honorable mention at both running back and linebacker.AttheApril Showcase, he ran a 4.76 40, with an incredible 4.12 pro agility, a 29.9 inch vertical, a 110 inch broad jump, and 11 reps of 225 on bench press. In June, Heim picked up an offer from hometown DII Washburn, which is sure to be one of many offers for this standout junior over the next two seasons. Outside of football Heim maintains a 3.5 GPA, plays basketball, and runs track. Like Hays and Holton, the Junior Blues re turn a load of experience and talent to help them contend in Class 6A again this fall. JC’s twin brother Jaren, junior quarterback Branton DeWeese, senior wide receiver Amr Sabbarini, junior defensive lineman Jamond Lane, and junior receiver Titan Osburn are just a few of the top Rural returners who also posted great marks at SP events. Jett Vincent, Canton-Galva, WR/DB, 6-3, 180, 2023: Vincent caught 67 passes for 1,341 yards and 18 touchdowns offensively and recorded 125 tackles, six interceptions, nine pass deflections, five fumbles recov eries, and four forced fumbles on defense as a junior for 8-Man II State Runner-up Wheatland-Grinnell. The long-armed senior safety has an incredible 28 career interceptions through three seasons of high school football. In 2022, Vincent will suit up for CantonGalva, where he will pair-up with standout quarterback Garrett Maltbie.The senior receiver and defensive back is also a standout in basketball and a 4x100 state qualifier in track. The 6-3, 180 pound Vincent has a very high ceiling and began to pile up offers after the April 30th SP Showcase where he post ed a 4.62 40, a 4.1 pro agility, eight reps at 185 on bench, and 118 inches in the broad jump. He also holds a personal best of 35.3 inches in the vertical jump. Since the April Showcase Vincent has received offers to play college football from Bethel, Sterling, Peru State, Highland Community College, and DIIs Missouri Southern and Chadron State. Vincent projects as a safety at the next level and says he is excited at the prospect of playing in a college defensive backfield after high school.
Mario Menghini, Frontenac, RB/CB, 6-2, 200, 2023: After gaining over 1,000 yards total offense as a sophomore in 2020, Menghini was a vital two-way member on Frontenac’s state runner-up squad last fall, averaging 7.7 yards on 123 carries for 942 yards and 11 TDs, along with 19 receptions for 345 yards and three more scores. He also returned 11 punts for 181 yards and a touchdown. Defensively, the ball-hawking safety recorded six interceptions and 42 tackles last year as a junior, earning AllState honors as a defensive back. Menghini’s numbers at the Showcase stood out as well, with a 4.61 40, 4.54 pro agility, 27.4 inch vertical, and 111 inch broad jump along with his eight bench reps of 225. Menghini is also first team all-league in basketball and second team all-league in baseball for the Raiders. The senior has yet to pick up any offers ahead of the 2022 season, but appears ready to help a college defensive backfield as a downhill alley-runner at safety. Michael Murray, Southeast of Saline, WR/DB, 5-9, 171, 2023: Murray caught 33 passes for 489 yards and seven touch downs last season to go with 19 tackles and an interception on the defensive side of the ball. The current senior earned second team all-league recognition as a receiver and a defensive back last fall and put on display the speed that helped him do so at the Sharp Combine, posting a blistering 4.47 40, along with a 4.41 pro agility drill, a 110 inch broad jump, and a 34 inch vertical. Murray was a key member of Southeast of Saline’s 3A State Championship track and field squad in May, taking second in the 100 (10.67) and third in the 200 (24.21). That speed recently helped him pick up an offer from MIAA power Northwest Missouri State and a strong senior season is sure to yield more opportunities. If the Trojans can fill some spots along the front lines, Murray is part of a talented group of skill players that could see SES contend for a State Title in Class 2A. Malik Bah, Hays, RB, 5-8, 170, 2024: Bah is a well-balanced running back who made a serious impact when he saw time on the field, recording 634 rushing yards and seven touchdowns on 83 carries for a historically successful Hays High team that featured two 1,000-yard rushers. His low center of gravity, and 4.63 second 40 speed, combine to make him a tough ball carrier to bring down. The junior back also showed good explosiveness with a 30.7 inch vertical and a 106 inch broad jump at the March SP Combine. Bah also stands out in track, qualifying for state in the open 100 and placing third at the meet as a member of Hays’ 4x100. Expect Bah, Groen, and Bryce Salmans to post breakout seasons as they emerge from the shadows of the Indian Class of 2022. Jake Fischer, Kingman, 5-10, 210, RB/ LB, 2023: Few athletes did more to raise their recruiting profile than Fischer did at SP Combine Series events this summer. At the March Combine he showed off tremendous strength and intensity with 18 reps at 225 on bench and a 4.85 40 in his first ever com bine tested 40. At the April SP Showcase, he tied for the second best bench press performance of the day with 19 reps of 225, while also massively improving his 40 time to 4.57 seconds, to go along with a 4.52 pro agility, a 30.2 inch vertical, and a 101 inch broad jump. He also showed off good linebacker coverage skills in one-on-ones. As a junior, on the defensive line, Fischer recorded 65 tackles, 2.5 sacks, seven tack les-for-loss, a forced fumble, a fumble re covery, and received 38 double teams from opposing offenses. For his work he earned several postseason honors. Offensively, he had 31 carries for 160 yards. He’ll likely have an expanded role on offense for a team looking to build off one of the very best seasons in school history. Fischer picked up offers from Bethel, Sterling, and Dodge City Community College this summer and projects as a linebacker or fullback at the next level.
Topeka West’s Malachi Berg (left) and Kingman’s Jake Fischer enjoyed great perfor mances at SP Events this spring and summer and both appear poised for breakout seasons this fall. (Photos: John Baetz)
Kaedin Massey, Lyndon, 6-8, 253.4, OL/ DL, 2024: Massey is a fitting last name for Lyndon’s 6-8, 250 pound junior offensive and defensive lineman. His massive size is fully backed by strength, with PRs at 260 on bench, 300 on clean, and 375 on squat. Last season he totaled 32 tackles, two sacks, and a tackle for loss, earning second team all-district at D-end for his efforts, though his skillset and length may better translate to the offensive line in college. The junior tested well at the SP Showcase, showing off solid footwork for his size with a 5.12 40 and a 4.66 pro agility, as well as a 24.5 inch vertical, a 99 inch broad jump, and 10 reps of 185 on bench, all excellent measurables for a 6-8 junior likely not yet done growing into his tremendous length.
Kenyon McMillan, Salina Central, 5-6.5, 160, RB, 2023: Coming off a season in which he rushed for 1,066 yards on 91 car ries for a school record 11.7 yards per carry, McMillan could be in line for even more production this fall given the graduation of Parker Kavanagh and Micah Moore from last season’s 7-3 Mustang squad.
McMillan had a strong showing at the Sharp Combine with a 4.45 40, a 115 inch broad jump, and a 31.6 inch vertical. McMillan had one of the fastest 40 times of the day at the April Showcase with a head turning 4.48. He also was clocked at 4.27 in the pro agility, and posted a 35.6 inch vertical and a 113 inch broad jump.
Luke McLaughlin, Rose Hill, WR/DB, 6-1, 180, 2023: McLaughlin is an athlete with noticeable potential. The 6-foot senior has no issue bringing down a jump ball against a defensive back, given his 34.4 inch vertical and solid timing, but he’s also capable of running the alley as a hard-hitting defensive back with his 4.62 40, 34.4 inch vertical, and 115 inch broad jump. He post ed 47 tackles and an interception from his defensive back spot and four catches with 64 yards and a touchdown from his receiver position in seven games last season.In track he is a state qualifier and runs a 10.9 100 and a 22.1 200. He also maintains a 3.5 GPA and currently has football offers from Northwest Missouri State, Emporia State, Missouri Western, and a number of JUCO and NAIA programs.
McMillan maintains a 3.6 GPA in the class room and while his size may make college recruiters think twice, his consistent speed and production could see him emerge as a significant prospect in an already loaded class of 2023 in Kansas. For more on SP events visit kansaspregame. com or sharp-performance.com.
Massey – who spent his freshman year at Northern Heights – holds a 4.0 GPA and also plays basketball for the Tigers. He is part of a solid group of returners that will help the Tigers try to make a deep play off run in their first year of 8-Man football.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 11 – with Division IIs Missouri Southern and Northwest Missouri State joining FBS New Mexico State in seeking Stull’s services after highEvenschool.though Hays graduated a loaded Class of 2022, expectations remain high with Stull part a group of talented athletes who’ve waited their turn to lead including senior quarterback Kyreese Groen, junior running back Malik Bah, and versatile senior tight end/fullback/linebacker/defensive end Bryce Salmans, all who performed excep tionally well at SP Combine Series events this spring and summer.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 12 Announcing our NEW HOURS! Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fridays CLOSED! This will allow clients to schedule before/aMer work and school. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Call 785-524-4406 Welcome our new Staff RN, Elizabeth. She will be providing Kan-Be-Healthy physicals, developmental screenings, vision and hearing screenings and assisZng with the many other services we provide across the lifespan. Announcing our NEW HOURS! Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Fridays CLOSED! This will allow clients to schedule before/after work and school. Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins are welcome. Call 785-524-4406 NEW HOURS! 7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. CLOSED!before/aMer work and school. but walk-ins are welcome. 785-524-4406Elizabeth.She will be providing developmental screenings, vision and with the many other services we the lifespan. Welcome our new Staff RN, Elizabeth. She will be providing Kan-Be-Healthy physicals, developmental screenings, vision and hearing screenings and assisting with the many other services we provide across the lifespan. Welcome Announcing our NEW HOURS! Monday through Thursday 7 a.m. to Fridays CLOSED! This will allow clients to schedule before/aMer Appointments are encouraged but walk-ins Call 785-524-4406 Welcome our new Staff RN, Elizabeth. She Kan-Be-Healthy physicals, developmental screenings, hearing screenings and assisZng with the many provide across the lifespan.
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Senior Levi Cool is a bit of a jack-of-all-trades. Serving as a key member of the Southern Cloud foot ball squad last season at split end and safety, he also simultaneously took part in cross country. He also competes in basketball, track, and golf - the latter of which he qualified for State in last season. Last football season, Cool had 147 receiving yards, 112 passing yards, and 31 tackles for the War riors, who will now play 6-Man for the first time this fall. Beyond athletics, Cool partici pates in Scholars Bowl, FFA, 4-H, is a member of the Southern Cloud National Honors Society, and works part-time on a local farm. “Levi has excellent character and leadership skills,” former Southern Cloud head football coach Ryan Perkins said. “You can always rely on him to show up and give you 100 percent effort in anything and everything he does. His leadership shows through in many ways, but the best is his willingness to always help others.”
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Will Cravens exemplifies lead ership for Ellsworth High School, both on the field and off. The junior quarterback and defensive back has earned two letters in football, two letters in basketball, one in golf, and one in baseball through his first two years of high school. In each sport, he’s looked to often by his teammates and coaches, despite the fact that he’s just now entering his upperclassmen years. “He is kind of the glue to get all the others rolling and is a leader with in the school,” head football coach Josh Homolka said. Off the field Cravens works for the Ellsworth Recreation Center, offici ates and umpires youth sports, and volunteers to help with youth foot ball camps and Ellsworth’s Learn ing Center. He’s also a four-time member of the Honor Roll. Outside of community activities, Cravens spends significant time on the AAU basketball circuit. “Will is truly a team player,” Ho molka said. “How the group does, how the Bearcats do, is always at the front of Will’s mind. He matches that same type of thought off the field, both in the classroom and in theThecommunity.”6-3Cravens excels as a guard on the basketball court where he picked up some media buzz and recruitiing interest this summer.
“I am excited about the progress Isaiah has made this summer,” Flax said. “He has stepped up into a leadership role. He is not the most vocal guy but he is always working and pushing himself and others around him to get better.” Vignery is also a varsity pitcher and second baseman on the base ball team and maintains a 3.69 GPA in the classroom. Outside of school he works in his spare time at G.L. Huyett in Minneapolis. After com pleting school he plans to attend Cloud County to study Wind Ener gy, for which he has already com pleted a number of courses.
Hometown Proud features by Keegan McCullick
Valden Dohl was an important two-way player for Sylvan-Lucas last season, reeling in 105 receiving yards, and recording 39 tackles and three interceptions from his spot in the Mustang defensive backfield. He’ll likely see a bigger role on offense this season thanks to key graduation losses. Dohl is a multi-sport athlete who also competes in basketball, base ball and golf for the Mustangs. Off the field, the 6-2, 170 pound senior is a standout in the class room, where he maintains a 3.75 GPA and is a member of the Nation al Honor Society. If that’s not enough to keep him busy, Dohl also participates in a number of clubs and leadership groups including forensics, 4-H, the Bethlehem Lutheran Church Youth Group, FCA, STUCO, choir, and scholars“Valdenbowl.isa huge part of our school,” head football coach Ben Labertew said. “He’s involved in ev erything and sets a good example for those around him.”
Submitted
“Isaiah does what is asked of him and plays within himself,” Flax said. “I know that I can trust him to do his job on the field. His teammates know how trustworthy he is; one of the best qualities to have, in my opinion.”
Submitted Minneapolis senior Isaiah Vignery is no stranger to earning his place. “Isaiah is a great example of a player that has worked himself into a leader and a key player for the Minneapolis football team,” coach Tom Flax said. “He had a solid junior campaign starting on the offensive and defensive line.” Last season, Vignery recorded 28 tackles, a sack, and three tackles for loss and took pride in his role as a blocker on the offensive line.
ETHAN SUELTER Lincoln RathbunBecky WILL CRAVENS Ellsworth Senior Ethan Suelter is a two-year starter on the offensive line and a summer weight room captain for the Lincoln Leopards, but before entering high school, that may have seemed like a longshot to some. “Ethan did not start in junior high, but through his work ethic has been a two-year starter on the offensive line in high school,” fifth-year Lin coln coach Dustin Patee said. “We are looking for him to lead a much improved O-line unit this fall, and he has a chance to see time on the defensive side of the ball this year asSuelter’swell.” hard work isn’t just limit ed to football, however. The 6-foot, 240 pound lineman has also wrestled, played baseball, and helped Lincoln’s powerlifting team win a league championship as a ju nior. Outside of his role as a member of the team he carries a 3.63 GPA and has been on the Honor Roll every semester. He is also active in the FFA, 4-H, and helps on the family farm. “He has bought into what we are doing here and it has paid dividends on the field,” Patee said. “Not only does he do everything that is asked of him to the best of his abilities, he brings others along with him. He embodies what we want here in Lincoln; hard working, tough, and persistent.”
BILL SNYDERCHRIS KLIEMAN Photos courtesy K-State Athletics
FOR KANSANS, KSU
Wichita East High School
By Keegan McCullick & John Baetz, Kansas Pregame As the verbal commitment domi noes fell for Kansas State football this offseason, the excitement sur rounding the program’s recruiting efforts reached a fever pitch, and the bulk of those commitments came from home-grown Sunflower State standouts.
Five of the top 11 players in 247’s Class of 2023 rankings for the state of Kansas committed to the Wildcats this offseason in cluding 4-Star quarterback prospect Avery Johnson (Maize). “This is as special an in-state group as I can recall in more than a decade covering recruiting in Kansas,” said GoPowercat recruiting editor Ryan Wallace. “We’ve seen classes with above average depth and classes with a few highly ranked individuals, but not one that’s had this much tal ent from top to bottom.” In years past K-State consis tently pulled talent from the state, but struggled keeping some of the highest ranked players. That paradigm has seemingly changed.“Obviously there’s an elite quar tionally at their respective positions. That’s an incredible value close to home for a program like Chris Klie man’s. He and his staff recognized those abilities early, got a jump-start on developing relationships and ul timately that won over not only the players, but their families.”
Of course rankings don’t mean much when it comes time to put the pads on, but the series of key Kansas commitments this summer has fans foaming at the mouth for K-State football while also harkening to the Golden Age of the Bill Snyder era, when Sunflower State talent carried the Wildcats to previously unimaginable heights. “In my mind, KSU, along with KU, run as K-State head coach he re cruited numerous Kansans and de veloped them into standout college football players while digging the Wildcat program from the bottom of the college football cellar to planting it nearly at the top of the mountain. Among those Kansans were su perstars Terence Newman (Salina Central), Mark Simoneau (Smith Center), and Darren Sproles (Olathe North). Then, in his second stint as the K-State head coach, following a brief retirement, Snyder rebuilt the program on the backs of Kansans like Arthur Brown (Wichita East), BJ Finney (Andale), Cody Whitehair (Abilene), and Ty Zimmerman (Junc tion City), who together helped lead quality care. on and off the field.
Arthur Brown, LB, 2011-12
Sunflower State Wildcat Greats
Brown first committed to Miami out of high school in 2008 as one of the top recruits in the country and spent two years with the Hurricanes before returning to his home state in 2010 to play for Bill Snyder. After sitting out that initial year, Brown burst onto the national scene in 2011 recording 101 total tackles, two sacks, and an interception, earning All-Big 12 honors and helping the Wildcats to a 10-3 record and a Cotton Bowl appearance. The next season Brown delivered once again, recording 100 tackles, a sack, six pass deflections, and two interceptions, leading to a treasure trove of award nominations and All-American honors. His efforts helped K-State to their first Big 12 Title since 2003 and a Fiesta Bowl appearance. Brown was drafted with the 56th pick in the 2013 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He played four seasons in the league, and will go down as one of the best Kansas State defensive players of all time. After leaving Riley County as one of the best three-sport athletes in state history, Nelson walked-on to Sny der’s squad in 2003 as a defensive back, but soon switched to receiver and never looked back. In 2005 as a sophomore, he recorded 45 receptions for 669 yards and eight touchdowns. A knee injury slowed Nelson down in 2006, but he still managed 39 receptions for 547 yards and a touch down. During his senior season, Nelson’s numbers exploded with 122 receptions, 1,606 yards, and 11 TDs. Nelson earned consensus All-America honors and was a Biletnikoff Award Finalist for that 2006 season and finished his career with the second most receptions, receiving yards and receiving TDs in K-State history. After wrapping up his college career Nelson
Jordy Nelson, WR, 2005-07 Riley County High School
Page 14
Mark Simoneau, LB, 1996-99 Smith Center High School Simoneau joined the Wildcats as part of a class that would lead to what many K-State fans consider the “golden era” in Manhattan. Throughout his four years as a starter – three of those as a team captain – K-State posted a 42-7 record and achieved a number of milestones, including the first three 11-win seasons and first BCS bowl game in program history. He racked up 400 total tackles, a school record 251 solo tackles, won Freshman of the Year honors in 1996, and was second team All-Big 12 as both a sophomore and junior, and went on to consensus first team All-American and Big 12 Defen sive Player of the Year honors as a senior. After college Simoneau was drafted 67th overall in the third round of the NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He went on to play 10 seasons with four teams - winning Super Bowl XLIV as a member of the New Orleans Saints - and recorded 416 tackles, seven sacks, eight forced fumbles, and an interception in the span of his career. In 2012, Simoneau was the second Wildcat ever inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.
Terence Newman, DB/KR, 1999-2002 Salina Central High School Prior to becoming one of the best cornerbacks in K-State history, Terence Newman was considered more of a track commodity at Salina Central. Despite lettering on the gridiron as a junior and senior, Newman’s 10.36 100 and 21.6 200 times received far more attention. Newman chose to run track and play football for the Wildcats. As a freshman he played in all 11 games on a K-State team that went 11-1, recording his first career interception and a kickoff return for a TD. As a sophomore he again played in every game and registered his first career start against Louisiana Tech. As a junior, in 2001, Newman truly began to shine, recording 51 tackles, 14 pass breakups, two blocked kicks, and three interceptions. He was selected as second team All-Big 12 by most outlets and was a top 10 finalist for the Thorpe Award. After deliberating on returning for his senior year, Newman ultimately decided to return to Manhattan and he took home Big 12 Defensive player of the Year honors and the Jim Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back. His defensive stats included 54 tackles, five interceptions, and 14 pass deflections. Newman went on to be drafted fifth overall by the Dallas Cowboys and went on to a 15-year NFL career with three teams, making the Pro Bowl twice.
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Darren Sproles, RB, 2001-04 Olathe North High School
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After a dominant high school career at Olathe North, during which Sproles rushed for 5,230 yards and 79 TDs, the diminutive running back arrived in Manhattan as a freshman in 2001 and played sparingly in six games. As a sophomore, he burst onto the scene with 1,465 yards and 17 touchdowns on 247 attempts and helped the Wildcats to an 11-2 mark. As a junior he rushed for 1,986 yards and 16 touchdowns on 306 attempts and finished fifth in Heisman voting after leading the Wildcats to a Fiesta Bowl on the heels of a Big 12 Championship game victory over Oklahoma. In his senior season the Wildcats struggled as a team, but Sproles still managed 1,318 yards and 11 TDs on 244 attempts. After his decorated college career the 5-6, 190 pound back was taken in the fourth round of the NFL Draft by the San Diego Chargers. He went on to play 15 seasons in the NFL with three teams, winning a Super Bowl in 2017 with the Philadelphia Eagles, and earned three trips to the Pro Bowl. He currently sits sixth all-time in all-purpose yards in an NFL career with 19,696.
play at K-State. All the credit goes to him, and all the coaches I’ve had throughout the years. It was hard to see him leave, but I wish him nothing but the best in the future.” Snyder’s “Miracle in Manhattan” is well documented, but what’s some times forgotten are the incredible stories of the dozens of unheralded Kansans who bought into Snyder’s vision of hard work and personal sacrifice toward a greater goal. Let’s take a closer look at some of those stories. The Foundation While Snyder’s success was certainly driven by his ability to re cruit and develop unheralded high school and junior college players, it’s easy to forget that a handful of key Kansans were kept on the team after Snyder took over. Players like Brooks Barta (Smith Center), Russ Campbell (Wichita North), and Matt Garber (Sabetha) played key roles in helping to turn the program around.Those Kansans are listed on a wall in the K-State locker room as part of “The Foundation” that helped lay the groundwork for developing a qual ity Division I football program after years of struggle. Recruiting rankings? Snyder often commented on his disdain for recruiting rankings, once saying in an interview with Kansas Pregame publisher John Baetz, “I guess there are people out there who can make money with those kind of predictions, but we don’t put much stock in them.” More than that, in the early days of Snyder’s tenure at K-State there were few outlets that compiled re cruiting rankings, and fewer yet that even looked at players from Kansas. “At that time the NCAA did not allow using the private planes for recruiting purposes,” Snyder said. “So very few schools outside of Kan sas would drive the long distance to recruit a limited number of visible student-athletes. Thus, many high school and junior college players were overlooked. Unlike states like Texas, California, etc., where they normally participated year round in football; most student-athletes in Kansas participated in several sports, leaving more room for im provement than in a year round program.”Newman, Simoneau, and Spro les are among the most notable Kansas High School recruiting vic tories for Snyder, not because they chose K-State over other top Big 12 programs, but because Snyder bet on the players when few others would. Newman was a standout in football and track at Salina Central, but didn’t carry much weight on his 5 foot, 10 inch frame. Even after his outstanding high school football career at Smith Center, Simoneau had few other opportunities to play Division I football, but older brother Jeff played for Snyder as did his high school coach Roger Barta’s son, the previously mentioned Brooks dream | 785-537-4200 was taken in the second round of the NFL Draft in 2008 by the Green Bay Packers and quickly found himself in Super Bowl XLV breaking the Packer’s record for most receiving yards in a Super Bowl with 140. Nelson caught nine passes total in the game with a TD. He went on to amass 613 receptions, 8,587 yards, and 72 TDs over his 10-year NFL career.
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BRICE VIGNERY
Championships & Four-Year Scholarships...
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer To understand Butler Community College’s commitment to recruiting Kansas kids one has to look no further than their next head coach, Concordia, Kan., native Brice Vignery.Astandout wide receiver and defensive back at Concordia in his 2005 senior season, he helped the Panthers to a 6-5 record with a playoff win over Hugoton. Even though he had success for one of the largest schools in north central Kansas at the time, he had few opportunities to play football beyond high school. “I had some interest from NAIA and Division II programs, but no offers, and I really believed I could play the game at a very high level,” Vignery recalled. “That’s where Butler coach Troy Morrell came in.” Morrell, a Kansas native himself from Buhler, led BCC to seven national championship games in 15 seasons as head coach between 2000 and 2014. He convinced Vignery he could play at the junior college level and in 2006 he joined the team. “I’ve always had a great work ethic, I’m not meaning to pat myself on the back, but my parents taught me how to work hard and if you want something, go get it,” Vignery said. “I had a really good high school coach that instilled that in me and I got to Butler and it just kinda went to a different level because you’re the best player on your high school team, then you get to Butler and you’re maybe the sixth best at your position. So I had to find a way to get on the field and working hard and being consistent was one thing that I knew I could do.”
Shawnee Mission East grad Cooper Lovelace decided on Butler after just one season of high school football and now will suit up for the University of Southern California this fall. (Photo: Butler CC Athletics)
Now Vignery looks forward to continu ing the tradition of recruiting under-re cruited Kansas kids and helping them find a pathway to a four-year football scholarship, an area of emphasis that dates back to the program’s early days. “At Butler, we recruit Kansas kids,” Vignery emphasized. “Me being a product of this state, and a product of Butler, we want to make sure that we go out and get the top 30 kids in the state of Kansas to win football games, and I think right now we’ve got 46 Kansas kids on the roster. So about right at half of our roster is going to be fromWhileKansas”there are dozens of Kansas student-athletes who have parlayed a stop at Butler into a four-year football scholarship and a degree, there are a few notable success stories, starting with Morrell, who earned AllAmerican honors at Butler in the early 1990s, and finished his degree at Fort Hays State, before returning to BCC for a Hall of Fame coaching career. In the 2000s players like Kenny Wilson from Liberal, Ryan Torain from Shawnee Mission Northwest, Austin Panter from Kensington, Chet Hartley from Kingman, Wade Weibert from Hillsboro, and Zac Clark from Wichita North enjoyed outstanding seasons at Butler and went on to major four-year college football success.
“Making the decision to go to Butler was a tremendous help to my football career,” Smith said. “It was the best thing that could have happened to me. Coach Morrell put
More recently players like Wichita Heights’ Dreamius Smith and Scott City’s Luke Hayes are two great examples of the trajectory a program like Butler can send recruits“Comingon.out of high school I had a decent work ethic,” Hayes said. “Being at Butler showed me you had to show up everyday ready to work your tail off or you would not see the field. In high school I was always bigger, so there was very little technique involved in what I was doing. At Butler they matched you with some of the best kids in the country at practice, so you had to learn to rely on tech nique. Both of those things were huge when I transferred to Kansas State.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 17
While Hayes went DI when he became a Wildcat, Smith took it a step forward, going from West Virginia after Butler, to the NFL in 2015.
That’s what Butler does! said. “After Coach Morrell retired and coach Schaffner took over he kept me on staff.” When the Grizzlies needed a new coach after Schaffner accepted a job at Idaho State in November, the school turned to Vignery to continue the tradition of excellence for the Grizzlies. “I knew I had a decent shot to get the job and I was ready, mainly because I had been here for so long, and I knew the people, I knew the community, I knew the program,” Vignery said. “It was just basically, can I do this? Can I maintain what Butler has done all these years? And, you know, look at what coach Schaffner did and what coach Braet did and what coach Morrel did, and coach Flores. I worked and played for every one of those guys and so I basically take a little bit from every one of them and try to maintain this program and take the bar to the next level, because ultimately that’s what we’re trying to do is make the program better. And this has been such a dominant program since the mid to late nineties. We’re going to work our butts off to make sure that we don’t let those four guys down”
Two years later he took an opportunity to join the team at K-State and after playing wide receiver for the Wildcats in 2008 and 2009, coach Morrell would come calling again. “Coach Morrell made a spot for me on the staff, and after a year I spent a season as an assistant at Kansas Wesleyan before coming back to Butler and climbing the ladder to the position of offensive coordinator,” Vignery Clockwise from top left: Will Honas, Gabe Luna, Ben Powers, and Ty Zentner are just a few Kansas natives who translated their time at Butler into prominent roles at Power 5 programs. (Photos: NU, ISU, OU, KSU Athletics)
After gaining an understanding of what Vignery and his staff were about, Lovelace joined the team and quickly began to understand his potential. “He is extremely intelligent,” Vignery said. “And so once we laid this plan out for him, like here’s what we have to do, he did it and he did not waver from it. He did not back away from it and he is a living product of what we try and do here. I think that just goes to show you what we can do for kids.” Before Lovelace took over a starting role on the offensive line, he sat behind another Marysville native Garrison Wright, who is pictured signing an autograph for a fan during the 2016 Minnesota Spring Game, chose Butler Community College over other junior college offers and earned a scholarship to the Unviersity of Minnesota after his time with the Grizzlies where he played significantly on the Golden Gopher offensive line for two seasons. (Submitted Photo)
The project was perfect for Vignery, who himself made a habit of winning Scout Team Player of the Week at Kansas State, and was also a valuable special teams contributor for the Cats. Work ethic and determination is nearly second nature for the coach.
“He wasn’t strong, he’d never been in the weight room,” Vignery said. “And so I starred his name and I started sending him postcards and we got him down to a game and slowly he started coming around on junior college. He did not love it at first, it took a lot of mom and dad that came down on two visits.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 18 me in a position to be the best player I can be. He would constantly critique my craft on and off the field and it paid off. Butler mentally and physically prepared me for the next levels I played at West Virginia, with the Chargers and Steelers. I will always and forever give thanks to the Butler Grizzlies and coach Morrell.” Garden City’s Gabe Luna, Kapaun’s Ben Powers, Marysville’s Garrison Wright, Shawnee Heights’ Ty Zentner, and Bishop Carroll’s Noah Johnson and Will Honas are a few others who have enjoyed success at Power 5 schools after playing at Butler Community College. And just this spring, Shawnee Mission East grad Cooper Lovelace, who played high school football for just one season, signed with the University of Southern California.
“I recruited Kansas City,” Vignery said. “That was my recruiting area and I rolled into Shawnee Mission East High School in May of 2018 and the high school coach there is Justin Hoover and he said, ‘Hey, I got this kid. Finally got him to go out for football. He’s big, he’s 6-5, he’s about 340 pounds. He’s decently athletic.’”
Wichita Heights graduate Dreamius Smith turned time at Butler into a scholarship to West Virginia, and later a few seasons in the NFL. The 6-foot, 220 pound running back enjoyed great suc cess at Heights, Butler and WVU, before playing professionally in San Diego and Pittsburgh. (Photo: Ben Queen/University of West Virginia Athletics)
Keegan McCullick is a full-time staff writer for Kansas Pregame and has nearly five years experience covering high school sports in Kansas.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 19 example of what Butler can do for prospects looking to switch their trajectory. After going to recruit Goddard’s AJ Vang and Chod Morrow during a high school basketball game, someone else ended up catching Vignery’s eye, 6-6, 315 pound Jeremiah Crawford.“IsawJJ and I’m like, ‘Who’s that kid?,’” Vignery said. “He barely played in high school and so we ended up offering him and he came and redshirted a year and kind of similar situation. He didn’t know how to get after it in the weight room and there were some tough conversations. He should have played earlier than he did.”
After one of those tough conversations with Crawford in the spring of 2019, something clicked.“Hecomes back in the fall of 2019 and he was just a different guy,” Vignery said. “Mentality was different. He looked different and he just got better every day from there. And I mean, heck he had multiple offers to choose from, and this was a kid that didn’t have a single offer out of high school and now he’s going to start at left tackle for Tennessee this year.” With the clear path to success that Butler lays out for its athletes and their penchant for hanging on to coaches who have been around the program for a while, it’s not surprising they’re one of the most successful JUCO programs of the 21st century. As this season approaches, Vignery feels good about his roster, despite losing seven offen sive linemen from last season to DI. “We’ve got two or three redshirt kids from last year that’ll be big players for us,” Vignery said. “And then we got a couple transfers in here to help us immediately, so I think with the core that we have coming back from the spring and our new guys, once we get them mixed together I think it’s going to be fun to watch and as we start piecing this, this team together, the offense defense and special teams, and they start learning about each other, I think it’s going to be a lot of fun to watch. Just because we are going to have a lot of talent, but along with that talent, we have a lot of humble kids that like to work hard and win football games.”
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Julie Kuhlmann
File Photo
Chuck Smith Chronicle
Scott Price
Abilene Reflector-
Kyler Konrade
Colby Stull
Jet Dineen
Brandon Kerr
Colby Schreiner
Cunningham
These awards recognize excellence in academics, foot ball and community leadership as selected by the chapter board of directors. The honorees were nominated by their head coach. The application for awards for the 2022-23 school year will be available on or before November 1. Each of the state National Football chaptersFoundationnominates an in dividual for the NFF’s Team of Distinction. Dineen, who will attend Kansas State and play football this fall, was selected as the Kansas Scholar-Athlete for the NFF Team of Distinction. These student-athletes were honored at the annual chapter awards dinner in May in SponsorsLawrence.ofthe chapter and its activities include Dillons Food Stores, Rack Coach, Bill Geiger and the Geiger Foundation, Jim Schroeder and Great Western Manufacturing. Joe and Brady Flannery and Weaver’s Department Store, and John and Phil Laurie.TheBSF/SC NFF also honored two coaches and one official for their contributions to the sport of football inOlpeKansas.head football coach Chris Schmidt, former Pittsburg-Colgan head football coach Chuck Smith and official Doug Simpson were selected by the Coach Bill Snyder Family/Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation to receive special recognition awards for the 2021-2022 academic year. “We are blessed to have two outstanding mentors such Nathaniel Bowman, QB/DB, Bucklin (Head Coach, Trever Powell) Kylan Cunningham, QB/DB, Lakeside (Head Coach, Drew Duskie) Jet Dineen, QB/DB, Free State (Head Coach, Kevin Stewart) Trey Harmison, QB/DB, Riley County (Head Coach, Erik Willimon) Casey Helm, QB/DE, Madison (Head Coach, Alex McMillian) Brandon Kerr, Maize (Head Coach, Gary Guzman) Kyler Konrade, Inman Cody Moore, DL, Mill Valley (Head Coach, Joel Applebee) Mikey Pauley, QB, Blue Valley NW (Head Coach, Clint Rider) Scott Price, RB/LB, Bucklin (Head Coach, Trever Powell) Colby Schreiner, OL/LB, Kingman (Head Coach, Tanner Hageman) Colt Sell, OL/DL, Chapman (Head Coach, Kurt Webster) Ted Skalsky, OL/LB, Olpe (Head Coach, Chris Schmidt) Colby Stull, RB/DB, La Crosse (Head Coach, Jon Webster)
Colt Sell
Cody Moore
Doug Simpson
Arionne
Casey Helm Servis
Ted Skalsky
Nate Bowman
Chris Schmidt
Dough Neufeld Julie Kuhlmann Jennifer Giersch Nick Journal-WorldLawrenceKrug
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Hudl PhotoEverett Royer Rich NorrodShawna Blanka Submitted PhotoEvert Nelson BSF/SC NFF Press Release
Mikey Pauley
as Coach Schmidt and Coach Smith, and a high quality official like Doug Simpson in the state of Kansas,” Chapter President Gerry McGuire said. “They have the respect of their peers because they not only have been successful on the field, but also because they have helped students to achieve outside of athletics. We congratulate them on theirSchmidt,success.”who has coached Olpe to consecutive Kansas Class 1A champi onships in football and boys basketball was named the Don Fambrough Coach of the Year. The legendary late Kansas head football coach, Fambrough was also a member of the Jayhawks’ 1947 Orange Bowl team. Smith, who retired after the 2016 season, was selected for the Lifetime Achievement Award. A native of Olpe, Schmidt has been the Eagles’ head football coach for 15 years, winning state titles in 2014, 2020 and 2021. He has a 141-33 record in that time, with 17 shutouts in the last two seasons. Olpe is only the second school in Kansas high school history to have consecutive state titles in both football and boys basket ball (Hanover 08-09 & 09-10). Smith had an illustrious, 38-year career coaching his first season at Topeka-Hayden in 1979 and the final 37 at St. Mary’s-Colgan in Pittsburg. He is the second-winningest coach in Kansas high school football history at 346-81, trailing only Silver Lake’s C.J. Hamilton. From 2000-2004 his team’s won 66 consecutive games - the second longest streak in state history. His team won five titles and were runners-up six times. Sons Nick, Mark, Jeff and Chas all played for him at Colgan, participated in the Shrine Bowl and played at Pittsburg State. Doug Simpson of Lenexa, has been selected to receive the John and Phil Laurie Officiating Award. A native of Oberlin, Kan., Simpson has been an official for 45 years.
Kylan
Fourteen Kansas high school senior football players were selected earlier this year by the Coach Bill Snyder Family/ Sunflower Chapter of the National Football Foundation as 2021-22 scholar-athletes. “This is an accomplished group of young men. We could not be more pleased to recognize their achievements on the field, but also in the classroom, and in serving their respective communities,” Chapter President Gerry McGuire said. “Football is the ultimate team sport and these individ uals displayed great leadership for their programs. We congratulate them, their coaches, parents and fans who supported them during their careers.”
Julie Kuhlmann
Trey Harmison
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 21
While attending the programs, students learn not only in a classroom setting, but they take what they have learned and head out to the service shop and apply it in a hands-on setting. The programs also include paid internship opportunities at the
American Implement sponsors students to attend the John Deere TECH Program offered by the following colleges: Garden City Community College in Garden City, Kansas, Fort Scott Community College in Fort Scott, Kansas, Navarro College in Corsicana, Texas and Southeast Community College in Milford, Nebraska.
local American Implement dealership location based on the student’s schedule. This allows students to learn from experienced Service Technicians and receive more great hands-on learning. If you, or someone you know, would like to apply for this scholarship, you can apply online, or contact Recruiter, Jessie Ruiz at: jruiz@americanimplement.com, or call 1-620-258-0009. To learn more about American Implement go to www. americanimplement.com, or like American Implement on Facebook, and follow us on Instagram at @AmericanImplement.
American Implement is proud to announce that we have awarded SEVENTEEN full ride scholarships for the 2022 calendar year!
This opportunity is for students that desire to go into the Agriculture Industry and become a certified John Deere Service Technician. Upon completion of Ag TECH Sponsorship Program, students receive an associate’s degree, tuition paid by American Implement and the security of having a guaranteed career straight out of college. This is a full ride scholarship which covers tuition/fees, room and board. Altogether, this impressive scholarship is over a $35,000 package.
Student-run SAFE programs encourage seat belt use, for more info visit ktsro.org/safe
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 22
BE SAFE: Seatbelts Are For Everyone!
The program has also grown in its curriculum and now includes an added emphasis on distracted teen driving, something that has become even more of an issue with the number of students possessing a cell phone.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Each day in the United States, an average of 100 people die in traffic crashes, a statistic that could be decreased considerably with the lifesaving habit of simply putting on your seat belt. While everyone has heard the benefits a seat belt can provide to prevent serious injuries and death, it can be surprising how often people skip pulling the belt across them and clicking it into place. That fact is exactly why, back in 2008, law enforcement in Crawford County, a county that had one of the lowest seat belt compliance rates amongst teens, decided to band together and find a way to raise awareness and fix the issue. After some collaboration by the officers, it was decided a student-driven project would be the way to go, as the belief was peer-to-peer communication would be most effective.Students appropriately named the program “SAFE,” standing for “Seatbelts Are For Everyone,” and now it is a name known by high schools across Kansas, and has doubtlessly saved lives. The message was simple, “If you don’t buckle up, you could get a ticket or be killed.”
The distracted driving awareness campaign, known as “Just Drive,” provides schools that sign up with a kit con taining posters and cards promoting safe driving, a cam paign message calendar, and pledge cards. Just Drive occurs each April, which is National Distracted Driver Awareness Month, and supplies are available to schools that reach out prior to that time.
“We started the SAFE program under SADD around December this past year,” said Victoria High School SAFE Sponsor Christie Sander. “The SAFE program has given the students the opportunity to hear impactful speakers and provided resources to help them become empowered to educate their peers. Our students have stepped up to make a difference in our school regarding driver’s safety and one is already interested in becoming a state board member to help us build the SAFE program in our com munity as well as others.” Once SAFE is implemented at a school, it tends to grow quickly, and sometimes beyond the campus itself. The case was particularly true for Syracuse High School. “We have had the SAFE program for four years now,” Syracuse SAFE Sponsor Amy Brucker said. “It has been incredible to see our SAFE team members double in that time. The support from our school administration and lo cal sheriff’s department has proved to be valuable. As a group we have not only focused on seat belt usage and safe driving behaviors among students, but the entire community.”Animportant aspect that allows SAFE to thrive is the flexibility in the types of clubs that have taken the reins for their school. Any group interested in the well-being of their fellow students can take part. Ranging from Law Club, Robotics Club, FCCLA, SADD, and StuCo, various schools have seen SAFE implemented in a number of ways, but the goals and tactics remain the same.
The Miss Kansas Organization is also an important part ner of the SAFE driving campaign.
“SAFE provides our students and staff with learning opportunities and small reminders to help increase our awareness of safe driving,” said Beloit High School’s SAFE Sponsor Stephanie Litton. The program further incentivized students with gift card drawings and a grand prize given to the school with the highest percentage of seat belts worn overall, as well as the biggest increase from the prior survey count. The implementation of the program started at Crawford County schools, and in the first year saw a 16.3% increase on the average rate at which students in the county were wearing seat belts. Girard High School had the largest increase from 55% to 89%, while Southeast High School in Cherokee, Kan., went from 82% to 94%, holding the highest overall per centage mark. The grand prizes awarded to each school were worth approximately $2,700. Soon after the program’s initial success, the combi nation of Crawford County Sheriff’s Office, along with the Kansas Highway Patrol (KHP), Kansas Department of Transportation (KDOT), and Kansas Traffic Safety Resource Office (KTSRO) decided to expand, and since then has been very successful. “SAFE is a proven way for schools to increase the num ber of teens who wear their seat belts every time they get in a vehicle,” said KTSRO Program Coordinator Jenny Lancaster. “With crashes being one of the top causes of injuries and deaths for teens, every seat belt clicked could be a life Benningtonsaved.”and Tescott High School’s SAFE Sponsor, Crystal VanCoevern, says it has become a “staple” in both communities. BHS has been a member since 2013 and THS since 2018. “SAFE has been instrumental in providing positive re minders and support for kids to make good decisions,” VanCoevern said. “With KTSRO, law enforcement en tities, and many other people and agencies being so supportive and making SAFE possible, I truly feel that we will continue to inspire young people in making good decisions.”Theprogram hit its height in 2020, prior to the pandemic, with a total of 172 schools in 77 counties taking part – a remarkable growth rate when taking into account the pro gram’s one-county origin.
Particularly, Miss Kansas 2021, Taylor Clark, visited schools to speak about the importance of always buckling up and never driving while drowsy. With an ever-growing combination of teens on the road and distractions to take their focus away from being atten tive in their vehicles, SAFE’s growth across the state is more important than ever before. “The SAFE Program has definitely impacted the stu dents at Frontenac High School,” said SAFE Sponsor Annie Beasley. “Not only do they enjoy the activities that promote seat belt usage and driving without distractions, but these statistics improve throughout the year. SAFE is truly a great program!” To find out more visit www.ktsro.org/safe.
Beloit Junior High (left) and Southeast High School are just two schools in Kansas utilizing student-run Seatbelts Are For Everyone (SAFE) programs to encourage seat belt use within their communities. (Courtesy Photos)
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Lansing (Kan.) wide receiver Malik Benson accepted a scholarship offer to Hutchinson Community College following a standout high school track and football career and after an All-American performance for the Blue Dragons last fall was picked as the top-ranked junior college recruit in the country. This summer he announced his commitment to play for the University of Alabama after his final season at Hutch this fall. (HCC Athletics)
Another 2022 transfer to watch for Hutch is Trey Echols, a wide receiver who played 11 games and gained 323 all-pur pose yards for Butler Community College after a high school career at Shawnee Mission Northwest. “Trey’s a kid that’s played a lot of reps in the conference and wanted to get some additional exposure and develop ment,” Dallas said. “So we got him here this spring. I think
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Lyndon 2021 graduate Miles Kitselman was a Kansas Shrine Bowl selection with impressive measurables who passed the eye test at 6-6, 250 pounds, but he had few op portunities to play football beyond high school.
“He’s going to have some opportunities moving forward as a junior college offensive lineman after his second season,” Dallas said. “Wouldn’t shock me if he ended up going to that kind of Sloanlevel.”Hayden, a 6-4, 240 pound Missouri State transfer, and potential successor for Kitselman as the Blue Dragon tight end, was All-State for Eudora before his college path began. He’s already began receiving offers from D2 East Central University and is likely to see more. “He’s had a tremendous offseason,” Dallas said. “Expect him to get a lot of Division I interest as well.”
Lansing 2021 graduate Malik Benson, also a Shrine Bowl selection, was an explosive receiver and kick returner for the Lions and one of the best long jumpers in Kansas history, but also had limited options after high school. Now, a year later, Benson and Kitselman have two distinct things in common ... both found opportunities to play college football at Hutchinson Community College and both used those opportunities to earn scholarships from the University of Alabama. “At Hutch we are committed to finding opportunities for Kansas kids at the highest levels,” said third year Blue Dragon head coach Drew Dallas. “Malik and Miles are just two examples of what can happen when under-the-radar Kansas kids are given an opportunity to develop under a great coaching staff like we have here at Hutch.”
“He’s currently been offered from Texas State and has been on a visit down there,” Dallas said. “He’s a guy that played for us a little bit as a true freshman and has made great strides. I think he’s going to have the potential to be a pretty high level receiver with his production this coming fall and how he’s Second-yeardeveloped.”offensivelineman Hunter Barlow was an AllState offensive lineman at Haven before joining the Blue Dragons last year. This past spring he received offers from Morehead State and multiple FCS schools.
Among the highest trending four-year prospects on the current Hutch roster is second year Junction City product Marcello Bussey, who caught two touchdown passes in 2021 as a freshman. Despite catching 61 passes for 1,429 yards and 17 touchdowns as a senior the 6-0, 179 pound se nior didn’t get many looks from DI programs, a circumstance that has since changed.
Dragons send Kansans to Elite Programs
Kitselman decided on.
For Miles the progression to major college football prospect was a bit more measured. “Andrew Krause, our tight ends coach, was in charge of re cruiting that area of Kansas,” Dallas said. “We kind of break the state into eight areas and our coaches go out and they get boots on the ground and talk to these coaches, and then go see them and try to meet these kids in person and see them run around in practice if we can. We saw him, they were in the playoffs prepping for a playoff football game. He played offensive tackle and D-end in high school and had some things going in recruiting, but nothing major. He had some walk-on opportunities, there at K-State and scholar ship offer from Emporia state.” As a senior at Lyndon High, the 6-5, 250 pound Kitselman was first team All-State at defensive end and helped lead the Tigers to the 2020 1A state semifinals before they were edged out, 14-12, by eventual champions Olpe. Although he had a walk-on offer from Kansas State and a D2 offer from Emporia, Hutch and the path they offered was what
Over the last four seasons Hutch has sent 36 of their play ers to Power 5 schools and produced 95 DI players total. In the 2022 class, along with Kitselman and Benson they had commits to Auburn, Florida, Missouri, Nebraska, Texas Tech, West Virginia, among other big-name colleges. As the outgoing class moves on to their respective fouryear programs, the roster that remains still possesses signif icant talent, including many Kansas products.
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“We really felt like with his size and athletic ability, we watched him practice and play basketball and with all the tools that he had with the frame that he had, that he was definitely going to be a kid that could develop into that high level of football player,” Dallas said. “We didn’t know if that would happen after a semester, after a year, or after two seasons, but for him, the fortunate thing was he came in from day Kitselmanone.”started at tight end for Hutch as a true fresh man and with more development, along with some some synergy from the already highly touted Benson - the number one ranked JUCO player in the class of 2023 - the Lyndon product soon found himself in the recruiting crosshairs of the most dominant college football program of the 21st century. “They had a need at tight end and he checked all the box es, from an athletic standpoint and size standpoint, that they look for,” Dallas said. “They really didn’t hesitate once they discovered him. But that’s the exposure that those guys get by coming to a program like ours because of guys like Malik Benson getting recruited by Alabama. They’re at your practice and they’re seeing other guys too when they’re at practice. So, when you’re sending 25 plus kids to Division I programs every year it’s easy for other people to get spot ted, even though they may be coming to campus to get their eyes on somebody else.”
BTIequip.comAthletics
Benson enjoyed a spectacular start to his time at Hutch, piling up 1,200 receiving yards and earning recognition as the top-ranked junior college prospect in the nation.
Keegan McCullick is a full-time staff writer for Kansas Pre game and has nearly five years experience covering high school sports in Kansas.
Hutch finished last season as the third ranked junior college football program in the nation, according to the NJCAA, and are hoping to make top spots in the rankings a new para digm.“We feel like we have the tools to make a run for a conference championship and compete for a National Championship again,” Dallas said. “And that’s the standard around here now, that’s what we’re shooting for, and that’s what we’re working toward on a daily basis. So feeling like you have those pieces involved in your program to be able to do those things is just half the battle, and then the other half is just making sure we go out and work on a daily basis.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 24 (785) 823-2215 salinaortho.com DON'T LET JOINT PAIN SLOW YOU DOWN 523 S. Santa Fe. Salina, KS If your joints are causing you trouble, our team of orthopedic experts will get to the root of the problem and get you the right treatment quickly. he’s a receiver that has a really good chance.” Further exemplifying the variety of paths Kansas athletes walk is Lansing’s Stephen Matina, a 2018 high school grad uate with a 6-5, 340 pound frame. “He played a lot of reps for us as a freshman last year,” Dallas said. “And he’s kind of got an interesting story, be cause he sat out a year or two, and then wanted to give it a go, and he’s a big-body tackle. Those guys are always get ting looked at along the D-line.”
Other hopefuls for the next level include athletes like Wathena-Riverside’s Xavier Stillman, a defensive tackle who has made “huge strides” this offseason, Blue Valley North’s Nikko Taylor, a 6-6, 240 pound defensive end with offers from Florida A&M, Southeast Missouri State, and most recently, FBS University of Buffalo, and Ashton Ngo, a long snapper from Andover High. Former Blue Dragon head coach, and recently retired Arkansas linebacker coach, Rion Rhoades, left Dallas the keys to a well-oiled machine after leaving for his new position in 2019, and with those keys Dallas has led the Blue Dragons to a 17-2 record – the best winning percentage in school his tory in a coach’s first two years, and a 2020 NJCAA National Championship.Whilethe2020 title and high winning percentage have been catalysts to bring both more Kansas and national re cruits to the program, the Blue Dragons try to offer a truly comprehensive experience to incoming football talent. “Our staff has played a huge part in that,” Dallas said. “Our players that have come through are doing things the right way. We have great facilities, we have a great campus, we have great people involved in the program, and it’s more than just football. So I think when you can get people in volved and seeing that first hand, and they enjoy their experi ence of being here, the school here, playing here, and being part of the community it naturally creates that buzz of, ‘Hey, you know, this is really a special place,’ and they really have enjoyed the time that they’ve spent here at Hutch before they move on to bigger and better. But they don’t forget where they come from either, and that’s because of the family at mosphere that we’ve been able to create and the people that are involved in the program, not just in football, but outside in the community, and on campus, on a daily basis.”
Lyndon’s Miles Kitselman accepted a scholarship offer to Hutchinson Community College following a standout high school career as an offensive and defensive lineman. After spending last fall playing tight end for the Blue Dragons, and catching the eye of Alabama coaches at spring practice earlier this year, Kitselman is now on scholarship as a tigh end for the University of Alabama this fall. (HCC Athletics)
By John Baetz, Publisher Recruiting rankings are one of the most controversial topics in the high school and college football landscape. Players tout them, or lament them. Fans debate them. College coaches claim to ig nore them. But since Rivals launched their first re cruiting rankings in 2002 a player’s star rating has been a consistent label applied to the nation’s top college football recruits. Rivals popularized recruiting coverage online and helped spawn other major recruiting outlets. 247Sports founder Shannon Terry, who had previously res cued and rebuilt Rivals.com after its early bankruptcy, launched the 247 platform in 2010. ESPN expanded their coverage of recruiting online with Recruiting Nation in the mid-2000s. Countless other smaller local and regional services offer talent eval uation as well. “Clearly the state’s recruiting followers have now become aware of the biggest tal ents in 2023,” GoPowercat recruiting editor Ryan Wallace said. “Names like Johnson, Edwards, and Otting have become familiar to even the smallest enthusiast. But what tru ly stands out about this class above others in recent memory are the additional prospects that collegiate staffs believe to hold legiti mate“Enteringpotential.August, before any of their se nior seasons have begun, 11 Kansans are already bound for Power Five institutions and at least two more seemed destined to follow. Even more, seven additional players have collected at least one FBS scholarship offer with several others entertaining serious attention themselves.” In early June, Kansas Pregame staff writer Keegan McCullick, photographer Joey Bahr, intern Lauryn Dubbert, and nearly 40 of the state’s top football prospects gathered at the thatWhilefollow.we won’t truly know if those recruiting rankings were accurate for up to three years from now it doesn’t make it any less exciting to be a high school football fan watching a group of athletes with so much potential. And speaking of recruiting ... We were thrilled to welcome the Kansas Highway Patrol as the featured sponsor of this year’s cover shoot. The KHP has a wide variety of career op tions to offer those focused on providing ser vice, courtesy, and protection to the citizens and State of Kansas. From Troopers who keep Kansas road ways safe, patrol the skies, or provide K9 assistance, to Capitol Area Guards and Law Enforcement officers, Communications Spe cialists, and Civilian support services, the Patrol has plenty of options for you to find the perfect career! For more information visit khpjobs.org.
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Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 25
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If Welch bounces back smoothly it should come as no surprise. The All-State quarterback works hard, not only in the weight room, but also the film room. “I would consider myself a big student of the game,” Welch said. “I watch around seven to 10 hours a week of film before we play and I’m still watching film during the offseason.” From that film study Welch has developed a keen sense for manipulating a defense, and his ability to deliver the ball accurately and on time is tough on secondaries.“Gabeisaperfectionist and a very hard worker, which is exemplified by his 4.0 GPA,” Wiemers said. “He pays attention to the details of playing quarterback and understands more than the average 17-year-old quarterback. He is super competitive and is as accurate of a passer that I have had in my 23 years of coaching. We are looking for big things from him this season.”
“Jesse really sees the field and the cutback alleys,” Smith said. “He also is one that keeps his legs moving on contact, but probably the biggest intangible that he brings is his ability to Greenly’sblock.”ability to block is likely to be key for Atchison this season with senior Ethan Watson returning as the lone starter on the offensive line - something Smith mentioned as the biggest challenge for his this fall. “I picked up a lot of blocking skills because sophomore year I was a fullback and that was my job,” Greenly said. Currently, Greenly is holding a number of NAIA and JUCO offers, including Butler Community College, Peru State College, Benedictine College, and Dodge City Community College.Besides Greenly and Watson, other returning starters include senior offensive threats Sean Noll and Aiden Battle, while ju niors Jeter Purday and Trey Carter compete for the starting QB position. “The plan is to give each of them the opportunity to earn the job,” Smith said. “Both are good players for us and whoever earns the job, the other will be on the field at wide Thoughreceiver.”Smithis bringing back solid talent on both sides of the ball, he believes there is still a lot of work to do during the season’s lead up. “As a team we have to get better this summer,” Smith said. “And when I say that, I mean we have to get stronger and faster and our passing game really has to improve.”
Welch will be joined by a pair of key returners in all-league seniors Cadon Clark (WR/DB) and Wyatt Bahm (OLD/RB). “Cadon will be a four-year starter for us and can do a little bit of everything,” Wiemers said. “He is an explosive player that can provide big plays for us. Wyatt has been a threeyear starter for us at linebacker and two years at running back. He is a presence for us at outside linebacker that can pressure QBs. He is a great tackler and can set the edge of ourThedefense.”Bulldogs have until September 2nd to address their needs on the line, but Welch feels good about the team’s tra jectory and predicts the season will last beyond Week 8. “To be a great team like we were two years ago,” Welch said of team goals. “We didn’t make very many mistakes. We will be back to the State Championship this year.”
The Bulldogs lost to Central by a lopsided 51-14 final score.
Greenly’s lack of time on the defensive side of the ball doesn’t mean the All-State back avoids the less glorified roles on the field. In fact, he excels at them.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer In the wake of an improbable 2020 playoff run that saw Ark City make it to the 4A State Championship game de spite winning just two regular season contests, the Bulldogs went just 3-6 in what may appear to be a letdown season. But upon closer inspection, the Bulldogs faced adversity few teams could surmount. After a 2-2 start to 2021 the season – including a 24-17 Week 4 victory over eventual 5A State Runner-up Maize –the Bulldogs faced their first major bump in the road during the first quarter of a Week 5 matchup with Salina Central, when Gabe Welch, a 2,700 yard passer in 2020, went down with a hip injury that kept him out for the rest of the season.
“It was hard to see the team struggle while I had to sit there and watch,” Welch said of the injury. Head coach Jon Wiemers, now entering the fifth year of his second stint as the head coach at Ark City, felt the team had momentum after the win over Maize. “We started slow in 2021, but felt like we were getting back on track after a big win at Maize,” Wiemers said. “Obviously losing Gabe hurt, but we had a few other injuries that slowed us down. I was proud of the way our kids handled it and did not use it as an excuse, we just couldn’t quite get it back together.” Ark City fought hard without their offensive leader, but were only able to manage one more win before the year was out, going 1-2 over the next three games before facing an even bigger challenge in the final week of the season.
ARK CITY BULLDOGS
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Atchison managed to take the 2021 Kansas City-Atchison League title in the conference’s final year of existence, and will instead compete for a Meadowlark Conference title in 2022 and beyond. The new league includes all the previous KCK schools along with Topeka-Highland Park. While that does present some change for long-time AHS head coach Jim Smith and company, a few staples remain from last season’s 8-2 Phoenix squad that posted an eightgame win streak before falling to Eudora in the second round of the playoffs. Smith, the head coach at Atchison for 25 years, has seven defensive starters returning, including nose guard Ethan Watson, defensive tackles Todd Daniels and Lavonte McGowan, a senior and junior respectively, sophomore linebacker Jayden Carter, and three-quarters of their defensive backfield in juniors Trey Carter, Jeter Purdy, and senior Adam Molt. Despite being just a freshman last season, Carter led the team in tackles with 55, along with five tackles for loss, a sack, and an INT. McGowan was also effective as an under classman, recording 36 tackles, five TFLs and two sacks. Offensively, the Phoenix feature Sports in Kansas All-State running back Jesse Greenly, one of the most determined ball carriers in the state. As a junior Greenly ran the ball 200 times for 1,712 yards and 27 touchdowns, with another score coming via one of his five receptions.
Greenly averaged 8.6 yards per carry over 10 games, and despite his athleticism, his services on offense were too important to risk his health and energy elsewhere. “He didn’t play a lot of defense last year because we ran him so much,” Smith said. “But he really has a nose for the ball and tackles well.”
Smith’s standout running back echoed much of that sen
ATCHISON PHOENIXWelchGabeJesseGreenly
The team around Welch should help give the Bulldogs a fighting chance for another playoff run, despite the need to address a few positions. “We need to be solid up front … we got some new guys,” Welch said. “They have been working their tails off though and also we need to reduce the missed assignments … to be a great team like we were two years ago.”
The Ark City community suffered a devastating loss head ing into a Week 9 playoff contest against McPherson when 17-year-old senior linebacker Rhett Lathers was killed in a single-vehicle auto accident. Coach Wiemers and company agreed the best course of action was to forfeit the final game of the season and let the players focus on honoring their fallen teammate. “The loss of Rhett Lathers was a crushing blow for all of us and led us to the decision to end our season and honor Rhett,” Wiemers said. “I hope our kids can now emulate Rhett, not only as a player but the quality of person he was.”For the team, it was particularly tough. “Rhett passing away was really tough on all of us. Especially for the guys that hung out with him a lot,” Welch said.With last season behind them, and the memory of their lost teammate still fresh on their mind, the Bulldogs are doing the best they can to move forward. The 2022 season has plenty of opportunity in store for the Bulldogs, but will depend largely on the return of a healthy Welch, who Wiemers says “is back to full speed now and looking forward to a great senior season.”
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Senior running back Ryder Nordstrom also returns after rushing 79 times for 575 yards and nine touchdowns. All-State honorable mention senior receiver Cason Mastre returns as well after catching 31 passes for 630 yards and 10Mastre’sTDs.
Lough’s well-established blocking ability is something he continues to improve, but he also plays the mentor role on a regular “Biggestbasis.strength is knowing how to keep my teammates’ heads up and help them in times of need,” Lough said. “When someone has a bad play I am able to help them cri tique their performance, whether that’s finding the position coach to help them work out what they need to fix, or if I have to show them what they need to work on personally.”
“I think my biggest strength is knowing the playbook really well, knowing what everyone has to do, and all the rules for each play,” Maltbie said. Other key offensive returners for Canton-Galva include offensive linemen, senior Preston Minson and junior Wyatt Collins, as well as All-State honorable mention tight end TJ Koehn, who caught 13 passes for 288 yards and four touchdowns last season.
Vincent’s quarterback in past seasons at Wheatland-Grinnell was his older brother, All-State QB Trey Vincent (Ottawa University), who was among the best passers in the state, throwing for 2,442 yards and 28 touchdowns last fall. In 2022, Jett will have another capable arm firing the ball his way.
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After a 9-1 season that ended at the hands of eventual 4A State Champs St. James Academy in Regionals, BasehorLinwood graduated a group of 27 seniors that comprised a large majority of the Bobcats starting spots and statistical production throughout the 2021 season. From last year’s roster, only four offensive and two defensive starters return for head coach Rod Stallbaumer’s program. It is important to note, however, that offensively Basehor-Linwood brings back three members of an offen sive line that was key to their success. “We are going to lean on them a lot, especially early in the season,” Stallbaumer said of his returning offensive linemen. “They are some of our hardest workers and best leaders. Having this kind of size and experience up front will definitely help our first time starters ease into their roles a little easier. To win at the end of the season you need to be able to play with physicality and these guys bring that to our team for sure.”
BOBCATS
Unsurprisingly, Maltbie is excited about the talented CANTON-GALVA EAGLES
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer
Another key returner on the line is Sam Lough, a 6-4, 245 pound junior, who is continuing to develop into one of the top linemen in 4A. “Sam improved so much last year from start to finish of the season,” Stallbaumer said. “It was really cool to see his confidence grow and him develop and we expect to see him continue that growth as a junior and really dominate this season. He is very athletic for his size and so he is really good blocking in space and out on the move. He really came on last season and became a really good tackle for us.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 29 BASEHOR-LINWOOD
fellow receiver, and Maltbie’s favorite target last season, was K-State signee Tyson Struber, who earned All-State honors all four years at either wide receiver or defensive back. Replacing one of the school’s most prolific athletes in its history could be challenging for the Eagles, but as luck would have it, they will receive a first team AllState receiver and defensive back in 2022, just as they’re losingSenioranother.JettVincent, who caught 67 passes for 1,341 yards and 19 touchdowns for 8-Man II State Runner-up Wheatland-Grinnell in 2021, will be suiting up for Canton-Galva this season. “I think it’s just a God thing”, Vincent said. “Dad got a good job there and I’m making the move.”
Along with Lough and Cooley, the Bobcats return first team
The senior was an impactful member of the line from day one, but with time and reps has truly stepped into his own. “I think my biggest strength as a football player is my strength and IQ,” Cooley said. “Coming in freshman year I would say I knew a good amount of moves or techniques to use. It just wasn’t until I got more experience and time in the weight room that I was able to become really good.”
“I was sad losing my brother and didn’t know who was going to move to quarterback, or I might have had to step in and play quarterback,” Jett Vincent said. “But, transferring to Canton-Galva, they’ve got Garett Maltbie, and he’s a dude and throws a good ball. I think we’ve got around 10 seniors coming back and a solid class of juniors. We’re going to have a good team, a solid eight and some guys behind that to fill in.”
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By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer There are few football programs throughout the state finding themselves in a better position than Canton-Galva entering this fall. Since taking over the job in 2017, head coach Shelby Hoppes has posted a 47-10 record, with his inaugural 4-5 finish accounting for half of those losses, and the other four years resulting in double digit wins, including a 2019 State Championship with a 13-0 mark. In 2021, the Eagles finished Sub-State Runner-up after a 76-68 barn burner loss to a loaded Little River team. From that squad, six of eight starters return, including AllState quarterback Garrett Maltbie. The senior returns for his third season as the starter after completing 110 of 179 pass es for 2,090 yards with 33 touchdowns to two interceptions last fall, while adding 100 rushing attempts for 763 yards and 21 more TDs. “Garrett has started since his sophomore season at quarterback and has grown each year in that role,” Hoppes said. “His footwork, arm strength, and decision making are all above average, but what sets him apart is his accuracy. Garrett does a great job of making ‘spot’ throws and by having that ability it allows us to still get the ball into the hands of receivers that aren’t necessarily open.” Maltbie threw for 1,315 yards and ran for another 904 as a sophomore, accounting for 39 total touchdowns, and developed into the clear-cut X’s and O’s leader on the field.
Andrew Voss, Road Trooper, Two Years Service Prep Sports: Football, Wrestling, Track, Golf; College Sport: Wrestling
In Cooley’s three years on the high school field so far, the Bobcats have improved their winning percentage each season, and with the loss of a big senior class, Cooley is confidently accepting the reins as a leader. “I think our team is looking pretty good for (this) year,” Cooley said. “We kept the most starters on our offensive line, so it is important for us to be leaders not just on the line but for the whole team.”
One of those three, first team all-conference senior Levi Cooley, a 6-4, 310 pound anchor for Stallbaumer, is among the best linemen in the state and has received offers from Emporia State, Pittsburg State, Fort Hays State and other DIIs, with interest from FCS and FBS programs as well. “Levi is a very physical player,” Stallbaumer said, “He has been a starter since his freshman year, so he doesn’t get rattled and brings a veteran presence that the rest of our offensive line, and really the rest of our team feeds off of. He is our strongest football player so he is a great asset in the run game, but he has also gotten so much time as a starter that he has gotten really good in pass protection. He didn’t give up his first sack of the season last year until the last pass play of the year.”
“What I like about working for KHP is that I really do think I am making a difference. Whether I am stopping a person for not wearing a seatbelt, taking a person to jail for DUI, or helping someone broken down on the side of the road. Participating in sports made it easy for me to meet and maintain the physical expectations that are necessary to be a trooper.”
being
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Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 30 101 W Main St • Chanute, KS 66720 620-431-1400 PROUD SUPPORTERS OF AREA SCHOOLS!www.boc-ks.com 399 E Hudson Rd • Fort Scott, KS • 620-223-5756 www.sekfinancial.com Family. Community.Friends. State Farm, Bloomington, IL1801073 Ryan Disbrow, Agent 504 W. www.Bus:Garnett,RedbudKS66032620-431-2680ryandisbrow.com We’re all in this together. State Farm® has a long tradition of being there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support Anderson County High School. Here to help life go right.® Family. Community.Friends.We’reallinthistogether. State Farm, Bloomington, IL1801073 Here to help life go right.® Ryan Disbrow, Agent 205 E Main Street Chanute, KS 66720 Bus: www.disbrowagency.com620-431-2680
State Farm® has a long tradition of there. That’s one reason why I’m proud to support Chanute High School. Wilson, who caught 35 passes for 463 yards and six TDs last season, first team all-league linebacker Gage Greer, who recorded 44 tackles, seven tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks, second team all-league junior defensive back Kaleb Scott, who is coming off of a 31-tackle, two interception season, and senior offensive lineman Logan Gall, the third block of granite returning along the Bobcat O-line. Stallbaumer also pointed to senior running back Jekai Harris (463 rush yards, six touch downs), junior quarterback Brady VanDonge (15-19, 170 yards, 2 TDs, 1 INT), and junior receiver Milé Hinkle (9 rec., 184 yards, TD) as players to watch. “We graduated a lot of seniors and a lot of starters on both sides of the ball but we feel like we have some talented people that were behind them waiting for their shot,” Stallbaumer said. “Offensively we had a lot of guys that got into the end of games and got some reps so it’s going to come down to how quickly can everyone gel. Offense is so much about rhythm and timing that once everyone is on the same page I think we will do very well. Defensively a lot of our back-ups last year were also seniors so we are a little more inexperienced on that side. Once again, we like the talent of the guys we have, it will just be about gaining game experience and trusting each other quickly.”
“(My biggest strength is) my drive to want to get to the quarterback or get into the end zone, with a ‘not quitting’ effort,” Dean said. Dean currently holds offers from FCS North Dakota, as well as Pittsburg State, Emporia State, East Central University, Central Missouri State, and Benedictine. Not to be outdone, Leedy was also member of the championship 4x1 team, and he may be the best all-around athlete of the group, qualifying in the open 400 and taking seventh in the 100, while also taking third in state wrestling at 145 in February, a year after winning a State Championship as a sophomore.
Barker ‘led by example’ to the tune of 2,071 rushing yards and 36 touchdowns on 214 carries. His 9.7 yards per carry may be his most impressive stat and came by way of many broken tackles, with all four of the Lancers losses happen ing in games he averaged under 10 yards per carry. “Holden’s biggest strength on the field offensively is yards after contact,” McAnulty said. “He doesn’t look to avoid con tact. Holden seeks out contact. He’s a fighter, he’s going to fight the defense for every inch on every single play.” At linebacker, Barker recorded 67 tackles, two sacks, six fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble. “Holden’s biggest strength defensively is open field tackling,” McAnulty said. “He makes the tough one-on-one tackles, the plays that if he misses could be huge plays offensively, and those are game changing plays. Holden doesn’t hesitate in those situations, he’s attacking the ball carrier.”Along with Barker, the Lancers bring back senior fullback and linebacker Avery Blaufuss (94 car., 451 yards, 7 TDs; 77 tackles), 6-1, 300 pound senior first team all-league guard and defensive end Ty Chambers (49 tackles, 4 sacks), senior tight end and cornerback Trevor Church (8 rec., 48 yards, 2 TDs; 19 tackles, 1 INT), senior All-State
While his arm is always something he’s fine-tuning, an area of emphasis for Erbe is making plays with his legs, which is understandable when factoring in his solid foot speed, clocking a 4.75 40 at a Sharp combine last spring, and further proving it with a 4A gold medal as part of the Blue Comets 4x100 team at state track. Erbe has a number of weapons back to work with this fall including Leedy at running back and Dean at receiver, as well as junior Kaiden Seamster – who caught 32 passes for 553 yards and ran for another 235, with six total scores – at wideDean,receiver.a6-4, 215 pound receiver and All-State honorable mention defensive lineman, caught 23 passes for 427 yards and seven scores, along with recording 62 tackles, nine sacks, 12 tackles for loss, and three forced fumbles.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Chanute appeared poised for a deep playoff run last year before a tough second round matchup with Bishop Miege saw an eight-game win streak – in which they’d outscored opponents 352-35 – come to a halt and end their season atThe8-2.Blue Comets gave the powerhouse Miege all they could handle in the 33-21 loss and they welcome back a talented core with big aspirations in 4A this fall. A trio of seniors in Dagen Dean, Eric Erbe, and Ty Leedy will lead the way for a talented group of underclassmen this fall and fourth year CHS head coach Clete Frazell is excited about his team’s prospects.
On the gridiron, Leedy’s resumé includes first team AllState hon ors at linebacker, after recording 88
Dean was also a member of that State Championship 4x100, underscoring his athleticism. But according to the senior, his physical ability isn’t his biggest strength.
CREST
LANCERS
“Our class got shown what true leaders are like last year and we’ve been through tough times,” Erbe said. “So we all understand how coming together and working together and just how being there for your teammates can make a teamErbegood.”himself is enough to make a team good by most standards. As a junior, he threw for 1,718 yards and 25 touchdowns and is entering his third season at the helm of the Blue Comet offense. In that time, Erbe’s ability to limit mistakes and make the proper read have become routine. “He works to get better all of the time,” Frazell said. “He goes to multiple camps all over the country, he has good speed and is an elusive runner, he throws on the run outside the pocket with accuracy. He is a very good college prospect as a quarterback in my opinion.”
Cole A. McGee, Master Trooper, Nine Years Service Prep Sports: Football, Basketball, Powerlifting “I have always been competitive with an ambition to be the best. This mindset came from athletics and is why I chose the Kansas Highway Patrol. I knew the Kansas Highway Patrol was the highest level of law enforcement in the state with the best trained officers. I wanted to be a part of the best, so I joined the KHP.”
“The key for us to maximize our team success this year will be for us to get stronger mentally and physically,” head coach Nick McAnulty said. “The games we lost last year were due to us not being able to either handle the physical strength of the other team, or we couldn’t handle the mental side of the Thankfullygame.”forMcAnulty, Colony-Crest was a team with no seniors a year ago, but will have a roster ladened with them this fall. Leading the way for the Lancers is senior first team All-State linebacker, and one of the most productive running backs in the state, Holden Barker. “Holden has done a great job growing into a leader for this team,” McAnulty said. “Without any seniors on the team last year he was one of the guys that stepped up and took on a leadership role. He’s always been a ‘lead by example’ guy, but he’s growing into that vocal leader that we need him to be.”
CHANUTE BLUE COMETS
erandquarterbackmentionhonorablelinebackEthanGodderz (36-64, 335 pass yards, 3 TDs, 4 INTs, 133 car., 935 rush yards, 8 TDs; 69 tackles), senior center and nose guard Colby McAdam, senior wide receiver and safety Karter Miller (12 rec., 149 yards, 1 TD; 50 tackles, 3 INTs), senior guard and first team all-league defensive end Cody Nolan (51 tackles, 7 sacks), and junior wide receiver and cornerback Ryan Golden (6 rec., 89 yards; 11 tackles, 3 INTs).Afterpointing out the amount of work going into the leadup to the 2022 season, which includes significant time in the weight room, Barker succinctly summed up his thoughts on the season ahead. “I’m feeling pretty confident in our squad to do some big things this year.”
“Dagen has great length at 6-4, size at 215, is strong in the weight room and is a state caliber sprinter to go with it,” Frazell said. “He is an explosive athlete who has caught the attention of college coaches at all levels.”
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Colony-Crest finished 5-4 last season after a 52-40 playoff loss to Marais des Cygnes Valley in a rematch with the Trojans, after winning the regular season contest 56-34.
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KHP TROOPER PROFILE
DeanDagen ErbeEric LeedyTyHoldenBarker
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Each of the four losses for the Lancers came against win ning teams, with all five of their wins ending as blowouts.
“We are athletic and have a lot of skill players returning,” Frazell said. “The focus for 2022 is coming together as a team and getting physically ready to compete.” For Erbe, a 4A All-State honorable mention quarterback, many key lessons have already been learned.
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tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, a forced fumble, a fumble recovery and two defensive touchdowns, as well as All-State honorable mention at running back, rushing for 1,150 yards to go with 135 receiving yards and 22 total TDs. “He is a great athlete, and one of the strongest pound for pound guys you will find,” Frazell said. “He breaks tackles and is hard to get on the ground. He has great agility, discipline and trusts the process and sticks to his assignment. He is a state medalist in the 100 in track, a State Champion in wrestling. He is tough as nails and is the total package.”
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Keegan McCullick is a full-time staff writer for Kansas Pregame and has nearly five years experience covering high school sports in Kansas.
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As the September 2nd kickoff inches closer and Frazell sorts out his roster, Erbe and the rest of the veteran group feel confident in the product they’ll have by that time. “Young guys will need to step up this year, but that comes back to leadership, we have to lead the young guys and help them prepare in the weight room and on the field,” Erbe said. “I feel super confident in the young guys we have, especially a couple of sophomores. We have some very special talent returning from last year.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 32
The speedy back is currently receiving interest at the NAIA level. Other returning starters include senior Trey Dillow at defensive back (40 tackles, 1 INT), as well as senior offensive and defensive lineman Bryan Jackett. Junior two-way lineman Augustus Thuston, a 6-4, 275 pound All-SEK and All-State selection is back and could emerge as a top prospect in Kansas this season. “I feel good about this upcoming year,” Leedy said. “Even if it’s not with the same brothers I had last year, I believe in our cause. We will have to bring up our line and make sure that these younger guys are ready for game speed reps because they are the ones we need to step up, we lost quite a few linemen.”
One of the toughest players Frazell has to replace is All-State defensive end Kolten LaCrone, who is now committed to Emporia State. With his loss, much of the focus is likely to fall on Dean, who he had paired with to make a devastating D-end duo. “He will still be a handful for teams to handle,” Frazell said. “And if they adjust to limit what Dagen can do, someone else will have to step up and take advantage of that situation and make plays!”
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Coach Frazell reflected his All-State linebacker’s sentiment. “Offensive and defensive lines are our points of emphasis going into the season,” Frazell said. “We have a ton of potential in those groups and we have to get them ready to go play at a high level.”
“I’m a 6-5 pass rusher with long arms and quick twitch off the edge,” Samé said. “This allows me to make plays in space and keep O-linemen from getting inside leverage. With length, strength and speed like mine comes versatility, I believe.”Samé’sself-analysis can easily be confirmed with a little time watching him on the field. As a junior he recorded 37 tackles, six tackles for loss, five sacks, and a fumble recovery. His ability to work around pass blockers is aided by time spent in the paint on the hardwood, where he is an explosive weapon for Derby basketball coach Brett Flory. “My teammates and I usually joke about how when I play basketball I’m playing softer football on the court,” Samé said. “I use ‘pass rush’ moves on the free throw rebound at
The already high interest in Edwards from college scouts sky-rocketed last year and his lengthy offer list includes Oregon, Jackson State, Oklahoma, Kansas State, Kansas, Washington, Nebraska, and most recently, Notre Dame. After originally committing to K-State this summer, Edwards reopened his recruitment shortly after receiving the Notre Dame offer. In mid-July he won the fastest man competition at the Under Armour Future 50 showcase in Florida, running a 4.39 40, and shortly after entered the ESPN 300 rankings at #234. “Dylan is a great football player and an even better person,” Clark said. “His performance on the field, and character off the field, have made him a nationally recruited college football prospect. We cannot wait to see him perform his senior year.”
Before any of these three standouts move on to the next level, they have business to attend to this upcoming fall, and will be joined by fellow returning offensive starters Brock Zerger and Wyatt Jackson. Zerger served as a receiver last season, gaining 171 yards through the air and 210 more on the ground for four scores. At the moment he is competing for a shot at starting quarterback with junior Braxton Clark after the graduation of Mercer Thatcher. Jackson, meanwhile, is the lone returner on the offensive line and will give the young group much-needed experience as the other four find their footing. Junior running back Derek Hubbard is another weapon coming back after rushing for 402 yards and five touch downs on 8.2 yards per carry. With legit 4.5 40 speed and good vision, Hubbard has everything it takes to be a starter in most backfields that don’t feature Dylan Edwards. At receiver, Trevon Rose is a guy Clark sees as a lock to start this fall after an efficient one catch, one touchdown varsity season a year ago, along with fellow senior receiver Nathan Keener, who caught seven passes for 104 yards and a Defensively,score. the Panthers bring back five of their top seven tacklers from last year including senior linebackers Wash, Roman Boden, and Kade Sheldon. Boden finished the year with 57 tackles, six tackles for loss, a sack, an interception, two fumble recoveries, and a forced fumble.
Da’Von Brame, Master Trooper, 19 Years of Service Prep Sports: Football, Basketball, Track; College: Football “’You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win.’ While playing sports I believed this to be true if you wanted to win the game on the gridiron or playing fields. As I moved on from sports and into a career in law enforcement, this same philosophy applies to protecting and serving the citizens of Kansas. Everyday Troopers deal with potentially dangerous people that have no due regard to life. The way we mentally and physically prepare for these situations is continuous training. When training, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win these dangerous situations troopers may face throughout their careers.”
Wash is also the younger brother of former Derby stand out and current Tennessee Tech quarterback Lem Wash, and holds an offer from Tennessee Tech of his own. “Playing with my brother will always be one of my favorite football memories as I always knew there was someone on the field who wanted to win and gave it their all just like I did,” the younger Wash said. “As far as teaming up again, it is too soon to tell, my recruiting process is still young.”
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continued on page 144
“What makes Derby stand out is our attention to detail and a universal will to get better everyday.”DERBYSENIOR,MILESWASH
Another major focal point for the Panthers is athletic edge rusher and Iowa State Cyclone commit, Samuel Samé.
on getting stronger and staying disciplined, making every day and every rep count.” Arguably topping his athletic feats is Wash’s performance in the classroom, where he is a member of the Dean’s Honor Roll and All-Academic First Team. “Miles is Mr. 100%,” Clark said. “Everything he does in life he gives it 100%. There is no off switch for Miles. He is very gifted physically, athletically and mentally. He’s a coach’s dream come true. Most of all, he is a tremendous teammate. He truly cares about making his team the best team that he can be. He is a born leader.”
tempts to free myself, and my quickness as an edge-rusher catches people off guard.”
Photos by Joey Bahr
This offseason Edwards made it a point to improve certain aspects of his game, a necessity given defensive coordina tors knowing full-well the running ability of Derby’s top back. “I’ve definitely tried to keep my weight up, put on some more pounds and keep my speed while doing it,” Edwards said. “So just been running a lot and lifting a lot. In my opinion, I feel like they might pack the box, so I need to work on my wide receiver skills a little bit more, and that’s a lot of what I’ve been doing in the off-season.”
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer
DERBY PANTHERS
TrooperBrameDa’Von Miles Wash Dylan Edwards Samuel Samé
On a late November Saturday the Panthers saw their otherwise unblemished 2021 season come to an end in the 6A State Title game against a determined Blue Valley Northwest team, leaving Derby with an 11-1 mark and a bittersweet send-off for a hyper-successful senior class with three championship rings to go along with that second place finish. As their September 2nd, 2022 season opener approaches, Brandon Clark – who has accrued a 150-39 record and six of Derby’s seven state titles over his 16 seasons as head coach – has three offensive and five defensive starters returning to develop a new lineup around. While there is plenty of retooling to do, the small group of returning starters were some of the top players in the state last season, not the least of which is Kansas Gatorade Player of the Year, and one of the state’s top ranked college prospects, Dylan Edwards. After rushing for 1,833 yards and 25 touchdowns on 8.9 yards per carry as a sophomore, Edwards posted video game-like numbers last fall blowing by defenses for 2,603 yards and 38 touchdowns, a 12.5 yards per carry average. He’s also an explosive home-run threat in the return game, averaging 36.1 yards on seven punt returns last season, and 42.8 yards on six kick returns. He returned two punts for scores and one kickoff with longs of 96 yards as a punt returner, and 93 as a kick returner.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 33
Samé’s quickness and length are already clear strengths, but if more mass is added to the senior’s frame the results will spell trouble for offensive tackles.
“Sam has all of the physical attributes to be a fantastic rush end,” coach Clark said. “He is very athletic and very long. Once his body allows him, he will put on a ton of weight also. Sam, being the athlete that he is, became very versatile in football, basketball and track. He has many talents in every sport he plays. Basketball has really helped him with his agility and athletic ability.”
Another key piece returning for the Panthers is senior All-State linebacker Miles Wash, who, as a junior, recorded 127 tackles, 13 tackles for loss, six sacks, two forced fumbles, and an interception. Wash is a powerfully built 5-11, 215 pounds with weight room PRs that include a 315 pound bench, 500 pound squat, and 315 pound hang clean. He also excels on the wrestling mat where he took sixth at 6A State at 220 pounds in February and has a work ethic rarely seen. “Individually I put much of my focus into speed and mobility training, I want to be as versatile as possible and play sideline to sideline,” Wash said. “As a team we focus heavily
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“Max is naturally an aggressive kid, so linebacker is a good fit for him on defense,” Simon said. “Max is our most physical player and is more than willing to play with phys icality and take on blocks from bigger offensive linemen. He has good instincts and understands his reads. He also scrapes to the outside effectively versus the run and is very disciplined in his tackling.”
But Simon said Neeley’s most important role on the team is as “our leader on offense and defense.” “He has the ability to see the field and create offensively and has good instincts defensively that keeps him in good position,” Simon said. “Max is very assignment sound de fensively and trusts his teammates to do their job. Max is great in preparation and he is aware of the checks and audibles that must be called based on what our opponent is doing on offense or defense. This sets our entire team up for success.”
Bender, a 6-4, 190 pound 3-Star prospect with DI offers from K-State and KU, brings a different skillset to the table, instead relying more on length and explosiveness, clocking in at a 4.6 in the 40 with a 38-inch vert. “I personally think my biggest strengths are deep threats and one-on-one balls and high point balls,” Bender said. “I can jump and get the ball out of the air.” Steffen had much of the same to say about his receiver offensively, but defen sively it has been more about his growth. “His constant improvement from Week 1 to Week 11 (was impressive),” Steffen said. “That will pay off with his ability as a senior to be very productive stopping the run and getting to the QB.”
“We have a very well developed team and it’s a lot easier
According to Hamm, the offseason with their new head coach has gone as planned. “It’s been extremely smooth,” Hamm said. “Players were talking and we had all just assumed it was going to be him (getting the job).”
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Like many teams in the Frontier League, including Tonganoxie, Paola, Piper, Louisburg, and Bonner Springs this season, and Ottawa and Baldwin entering 2021, Eudora has a new head coach. For the Cardinals in particular, former assistant Drew Steffen has a significant amount of talent to work with, and important continuity from their 6-5 finish in 2021 highlighted by an exciting playoff run that ended with a quarterfinal loss to Bishop Miege, 21-6. Eudora lost their first four games by even less than their playoff exit last season, with their deficit against Tonganoxie a touchdown, KC-Piper a field goal, and both Louisburg and Paola a single point each. “The biggest challenge will be finding ways to beat teams in our league that have had the most success the last few years,” Steffen said. “Spring Hill was as good as anyone in 5A last year and will be a contender in our league again.
Tongi and Paola, both with new coaches, will continue to build on their great tradition. We bring a lot of production on O back and bring 10 starters on D back, but unless we are willing to work hard, improve both our individual abilities and our team abilities, none of those things will matter.”
One important issue Steffen is in the process of address ing, is who will take over at quarterback after the graduation of Gage Hayden (Washburn track and field). “We have two kids competing at QB this summer,” Steffen said. “Kale Hammerschmidt will be a senior and has been a two-year starter at safety and Kole Manley who started as a sophomore at safety.” Whoever Steffen decides to go with will have no shortage of athleticism at their disposal to circulate the ball to, partic ularly in the case of Bender and Hamm. Hamm, a 6-6, 220 pound 4-Star prospect committed to Arkansas to play tight end, is also a standout on the basketball court for Eudora, and his ability to blend size and athleticism makes him effective on both the court and field. “(Hamm is) always a threat to catch the ball above defenders in the red zone,” Steffen said. “Very good blocker in our triple option offense and willing to do the work up front that is necessary for us to be successful running the football. (Defensively) he has the ability to shut down one side of the field with his size and strength. He pursues football and plays with very good effort.”
“We will continue to build upon the defensive scheme that I brought when I came from Shawnee Mission East and continue to improve and build upon our triple option offense that our offensive coordinator Dain Hammerschmidt has called the last two years,” Steffen said.
Eli Wilkinson earned All-State honorable mention after recording 88 tackles and five sacks as a junior, while Hector Wilkinson maintained pressure on the quarterback from the other edge with five sacks to go with his 50 tackles.
The 10 returning defensive starters include senior D-backs Octavius Lyles (22 tkls., 1 TFL, 1 INT TD, 1 FF) and Kale Hammerschmidt (85 tkls., 4 TFLs, 3 INTs, 1 FF), junior D-backs Adrion Seals (42 tkls., 1 FR) and Kole Manley (86 tkls., 4 TFLs, 2 INTs, 1 FR), junior LBs Matthew Magette (29 tkls., 2 TFLs, 1 FR) and Braylen Hoobler (87 tkls., 2 TFLs, 2 FRs), D-tackles including senior Micah Barron (47 tkls., 3 sacks, 7 TFLs) and junior Owen Wilks (37 tkls., 2 sacks, 3 TFLs), as well as the dangerous D-end combination of seniors Jaden Hamm (23 tkls., 1 sack, 2 TFLs, 1 FF, 1 FR) and Jaiden Bender (54 tkls., 5 TFLs, 1 sack). On offense, the receiving corps remains fully intact with Seals (30 rec., 757 yds., 10 TDs) and Bender (1 rec., 9 yds., 1 TD) back at receiver, Hoobler (3 rec., 71 yds., 1 TD) at slot, and Hamm (7 rec., 128 yds., 1 TD) at tight end. The offensive line, meanwhile, returns senior Eythen Moore at center, junior Thomas Cromer at guard, and Wilks at tackle.
Photos by Joey Bahr
“Max has developed in the passing game and we were more efficient last season,” Simon said. “He has the capability to lengthen plays and tuck the ball and create if receivers are covered.”
Despite the change at head coach, Eudora has the conve nience of continuity in an offense and defense that they were highly successful in a season ago.
Neeley rushed 224 times for 1,588 yards and 31 touch downs last season and went 72-125 passing for 995 yards with 15 touchdowns to six interceptions, with the latter an area of improvement, according to his coach.
DIGHTON HORNETS
EUDORA CARDINALS Jayden Hamm Jaiden Bender Max Neeley
Among those starters is first team All-State defender and honorable mention offensive standout Max Neeley, who despite being listed as a linebacker and a quarterback was awarded All-State as a running back and defensive back by the Wichita Eagle and “Athlete” by Sports in Kansas, outlining his versatility. “Max is a very good athlete and anytime you can get him in space he can be dangerous,” Simon said. “He has become more decisive in his reads and is very explosive in his first few steps.”
While Neeley is the leader, Simon will put a talented group on the field around him, including seniors Eli Wilkinson (OL/ DE), Hector Wilkinson (RB/DE), Rey Castillo (SE/DB), Antonio Dominguez (C), junior Carson Shimer (TE), and sophomore Daniel Cramer (SE/DB).
According to Hamm, the continuity in proven systems, experience, and trust the Cardinals have in each other gives them a great opportunity to grow further.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 35 By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer After consecutive one-win seasons, Dighton returned to their winning ways of the majority of the last decade posting a 9-2 record last fall with a trip to the quarterfinal round of the 8-Man II playoffs for 12th year coach Ken Simon. Last season Dighton dominated much of their schedule in blowout fashion, with their two losses coming against 8-2 Quinter in Week 2 – who they later beat 52-22 in the playoffs–- and 10-2 Victoria in the quarterfinals. “Our team is coming off of a solid season in 2021 and we return five defensive starters and six offensive starters from last year’s team,” Simon said. “We do have some holes to fill, but I feel like we can have another strong season if we can develop some players to fill some important positions.“
Dighton’s running game was so successful most weeks that passing wasn’t necessary, but during the final game of the season against Victoria, Neeley showed that he could be effective with more attempts, going 15 of 24 for 224 yards with four touchdowns to two interceptions. Defensively, Neeley tallied 114 tackles with four for a loss, along with two picks, a sack and a fumble recovery.
#warriorpride Passion Responsible Integrity Determination E xcellence @SCWarriorFB SCWarriorFB@CoachJacson623
As a junior, Niggemann orchestrated head coach Neal Philpot’s flexbone offense with efficiency and has the benefit of learning the ropes from two former Pittsburg State quarterbacks, coach Philpot, and his dad, Ben Niggemann. The younger Niggemann now also holds an offer to play quarterback at Pitt. State, but has yet to make a commitment. “I would say having coach Philpot and coach Niggemann both having a college QB background is definitely one of the biggest things I’ve been able to take advantage of,” Niggemann said. “Trying to pick their brains a little bit in practice and being able to be on the same page with them. They both have put me in the best position possible and fully prepare my team and I every week.”
Top returning defensive players for Girard include senior defensive linemen Juan Pizarro, Williams, and Adam Shireman, linebackers Coester and Christian Taylor, senior defensive back Davidson, and junior defensive lineman Caleb Combs. “We are focusing each day, specifically on that day,” Philpot said. “Working the process in order to get the bigger picture. Our ability to buy in and work our craft each week, Luke NiggemannTylerLittle
According to Philpot, the ability to help the team prepare is a key trait for his starting signal caller as well. “His practice habits are a good example of leadership with our team,” Philpot said. “He brings other people along with him.”
Taking a lot of heat off of Turner in the run game is Mooney, who was the team’s second leading rusher last season with 677 yards and 9 TDs on 131 attempts, adding another four receptions and a touchdown as a receiver. A strong six man offensive lineman rotation will provide the time and space for Turner and Mooney to work in the backfield, and at tight end, Little delivers a combination of blocking and high-level receiving ability. At 6-6, 240 pounds, the All-State receiver caught 32 pass es for 495 yards and four TDs, with 15 rushes for 95 yards and two more scores on the ground. Also a basketball standout, Little set the school’s career rebounding record this winter as just a junior. “Tyler is a total team player and will do what is asked of him to help our team,” Sarwinski said. “We will utilize him all over.”
GALENA BULLDOGS
Turner will take over for Sarwinski’s son, Brett (Pitt State baseball signee), who put together a memorable four-year career for the Bulldogs as a football, basketball, and base ball standout. Last fall he posted 2,010 combined rushing and passing yards with 25 total TDs and this winter he set the school record for career points scored for GHS hoops.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Galena managed to put together yet another great season under Brett Sarwinski, now 120-41 in 16 years as head coach. The Bulldogs went 8-2 overall last fall with a 7-0 re cord in the CNC and a Regional playoff appearance where they lost to eventual State Runner-up Frontenac, 31-6. From that squad the Bulldogs bring back a wealth of experience on offense including junior quarterback convert ed from running back, Zane Turner, senior running back Dawson Mooney, sophomore running back Hayden Qualls, senior all-league honorable mention offensive linemen Koby Myers and Isaiah Dunaway, as well as fellow senior O-linemen Matthew Ramos, Ty Hall, KC Hopkins, and junior Devan Heady, senior receivers Gage Lawson and Raheem Sajid, and All-State tight end Tyler Little. Turner had 106 rushing attempts for 649 yards and five TDs last season to go with 312 receiving yards and four more scores, and also managed to complete his single passing attempt last season on a two-point conversion. “He played great as a running back for us last year,” coach Sarwinski said. “We are excited about some of the things he’s been able to show us this summer.”
Photos by Joey Bahr
Before his college career begins, however, Little has matters to tend to this season, and Sarwinski listed those goals in detail. “We have high expec tations and goals every year,” Sarwinski said. “We want to win a Sectional,Championship,DistrictRegional,Sub-Stateand State Championships.”
“My biggest strengths as a QB are being able to get everyone on the same page as an entire offense and read and react as one group,” Niggemann said. “Having a big frame helps too and it gives me the ability to make a play happen.”Girardalso gets back five senior offensive linemen, consisting of left tackle Cordell Searan, left guard Caleb Combs, center Ryan Jarboe, right guard Arrick Williams, and right tackle Justin Ferguson. At slot, both Beau Harris and Ethan Davidson (7 rec., 218 yards, 4 TDs) return, while senior running back Alex Coester is the team’s top returning rusher after posting 648 yards and 4 TDs on 108 attempts last fall.
GIRARD TROJANS
Little’s size and all-around athleticism have made him a target for a number of DI schools, including Arkansas State, Buffalo, Air Force, UTEP, New Mexico State, South Dakota, and Eastern Michigan.
Philpot also went on to praise Niggemann’s “knowledge of what we are doing on offense” in combination with his “physical abilities,” both skills Niggemann pointed to when asked about his own strengths.
Defensively, the Bulldogs return no shortage of proven ability, with defensive backs Turner (40 tkls., 1 INT), Qualls (18 tkls.), and Tante Paul (15 tkls.), linebackers Heady (39 tkls., 3 sacks, 1 FR) and Mooney (32 tkls., 1 sack, 2 FR, 1 INT), interior linemen Ramos (28 tkls., 3 sacks), Myers (26 tkls., 2 sacks, 1 FR), Dunaway (64 tkls., 3 sacks, 2 FR), and Hall (35 tkls., 1 sack) all with varsity experience, and Little at defensive end where he recorded 62 tackles, with three sacks and a fumble recovery as a junior. “I feel like I have many strengths on the foot ball field,” Little said. “My size, quickness, and my feel for the game are very big factors for me and my team. The biggest one is the energy; my team feeds off of me because they know they can rely on me.”
“The recruiting process has been very good to me,” Little said. “It’s a little stressful, but it’s something I had no prob lem with. Most schools are projecting me as a tight end, but they also don’t know what my body is gonna do the next couple of years and they know I can play multiple positions such as the D-line and O-line. It’s really just what the team needs and what they think I’m gonna excel at.”
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Girard rolled through the first 10 games of 2021, with only one game ending within a single-possession, a 13-6 Week 8 win against eventual 3A runner-up Frontenac. It wasn’t until the third round of the playoffs against a talented Holton squad that the Trojans were finally beaten. Despite the sting of that 36-0 playoff loss, Girard football appears ready for another great season with nine senior offensive starters, as well as six defensive starters returning in 2022. Among those returning starters is senior All-State honor able mention quarterback Luke Niggemann. “We’ve got a great group of seniors coming back,” Niggemann said. “Our group matured last year and so we have high expectations for ourselves. We have some younger guys that have been waiting for their time and I think they will be able to step up to the plate and take on the responsibilities that we need them to.” Niggeman, who was paramount in Girard’s success last season with 1,083 passing yards and 19 touchdowns to only four interceptions, along with 64 carries for 365 yards on the ground, is a big believer in self-scouting. “Last year was a great year that ended in a tough loss,” Niggemann said. “We focus more on ourselves and do what we can do to get better as a group, and like coach Philpot says, we want to be 1-0 every week, so we definitely keep that loss in the back of our minds but we are focused on ourselves and as one group.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 37
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Entering his 16th year at the helm of Topeka-Hayden football, head coach Bill Arnold brings back a strong group of 27 lettermen and seven starters on both sides of the ball for an 8-2 team that advanced to the second round of the playoffs before getting knocked out by Rock Creek.
Capitol Police Officer Kyle Hoefft Samuel Samé By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer In his first year at Highland Park, former Maur Hill head coach Jermaine Monroe couldn’t capture the elusive streak-ending win. For the Scots, it was the seventh straight winless season, the last victory coming in 2014. Despite their drought in the win column, there are reasons for optimism this fall, one of which is Monroe himself. Before taking the position at Highland Park, the ninth-year head coach led Maur Hill to a 49-25 record, including a 35-14 stretch in his last five years with the Ravens. MH-MA went 10-53 between 2005 and his first year on the job. “Our one goal this season is to win,” Monroe said. “We will revisit team goals after we break the losing streak. These young men have bought into the work it takes to win. Our offseason workout program started in January and our num bers are still strong. We are a family and a brotherhood.”
Another reason for optimism? A more forgiving schedule. After years mired at the bottom of the Centennial League, the Scots make the move to the newly formed Meadowlark Conference this fall, with all the schools from the old Kansas City-Atchison League, and now, HP. And perhaps the biggest reason for optimism, Monroe has a two-headed monster to use in his offensive attack in seniors Tre Richardson and Tyrell “T-Bird” Reed. Reed – a Topeka West transfer early last season – carried the ball 109 times for 856 yards and two touchdowns in eight games, along with 19 receptions for 314 yards with three more scores. He also recorded 24 tackles, four tackles for loss, and two sacks defensively. Richardson, in six games, carried the ball 38 times for 674 yards and five touchdowns, to go with 32 receptions for 523 yards and eight more scores. As one of the most exciting return specialists in the state, Richardson added 450 kick return yards, with three returned for touchdowns. “My biggest strength is my speed and awareness,” Richardson said. “I can outrun mostly everybody, and the people I can’t, I have awareness on where they’re at and how to score.”
Tre
Last season, Otting dominated his matchups on the of fensive line, making the most of the physical Wing-T Arnold enlists by dictating his one-on-one matchups or nimbly making his way to the second level as a pulling guard.
Among that talented group of returning starters is senior All-State offensive and defensive lineman Joe Otting, a 6-4, 275 pound Notre Dame commit who is among the top prospects in the Midwest. He chose the Fighting Irish over offers from K-State, Iowa, Minnesota, and others. “(Offensively) his biggest strength is his quickness and ability to finish blocks off,” Arnold said. “(Defensively it’s) his length and ability to string a play out.”
HIGHLAND PARK
A 2022 3A title would make it four total for Hayden and two for Arnold who coached the Wildcats to the 4A title in 2008.
HAYDEN CATHOLIC WILDCATS
“Tre’s knowledge of the game is unmatched,” Monroe said. “He knows every player’s responsibility on every play in the playbook. He is also a true supporter of his team mates. One thing I’ve admired is his calling on other players to make plays when he is being double or triple teamed. He knows that teams spend a lot of time scheming against him and when they overcompensate, it provides an opportunity SCOTS Richardson Joe Otting CAPITOL POLICE OFFICER PROFILE
HP also returns some good size in the trenches with junior offensive lineman Gabe Davis (6-6, 315) and his classmate, defensive tackle Jerome Toussaint (6-2, 315). For the younger guys stepping into varsity spots, they’ll have plenty of help.
While the senior is protective of his own quarterback, he is just the opposite on the other side of the ball, where he recorded nine sacks, 14 hurries, and two forced fumbles at his end position.Aside from being a force on the field, Otting is also an All-State basketball player and state qualifier in the shot and disc this track season, but he’s also a positive presence in the locker room. “He leads by example and has very good rapport with his teammates,” Arnold said. Returning alongside Hayden offensively are fellow line men Ben Evans and Carter Charvat, backs Ethan Florence, Drew Crady and JC Cummings, as well as wide receiver Jensen Schrickel. Meanwhile on defense, Evans returns at defensive tackle, Cummings and Konrade return at linebacker, and Jameson Kennedy returns at free safety. “We have lots of returners on both sides of the ball,” Otting said. “We are all working hard this off-season and preparing to make a run this season. Just getting better and stronger everyday, building team chemistry and getting everyone to be all in and work towards our goal.” Arnold underscored the importance of chemistry. “Biggest focus will be the team creating that family style atmosphere where they are playing for each other,” Arnold said. Already feeling good about much of the progress the Wildcats have made, Arnold’s aspirations for his team are set high. “With the growth we had this winter and spring in the weight room, as well as in the leadership aspect, we are very excited about making a run at the state title this year.”
KHP
Photos by Joey Bahr
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 39 Kyle Hoefft, Capitol Police Officer, Five Years of Service Prep Sports: Football, Basketball, Baseball; College: Football “‘In this family, no one fights alone.’ Law enforcement and sports are very similar in nature when it comes to family. Both professions train hard to better themselves when playing the game/working the road. One person cannot do this job alone. You must rely on each other to get through each shift and game played.”
In all, Richardson gained an incredible 1,674 all-purpose yards during his six-game stretch, to go with Reed’s 1,170 yards in eight games. “When he gets the ball in his hands the potential of a massive play is highly probable,” Monroe said of Richardson. “His speed, quickness, and field vision is at the level of an NFL football player.” The gridiron isn’t the only athletic surface where Richardson shines. The senior is also a standout on the basketball court, the baseball diamond, and the track –where he won a State Championship in the 200 meter dash in May and is a 23-foot long jumper and 47-foot triple jumper – all while holding a 4.11 GPA. Reed is also a speed merchant, consistently running in the upper 10s in the 100 meter dash with a personal best handheld time of 10.5 seconds and a seventh place finish in the 5A 100 at State. Both Richardson and Reed plan to take their football talents to the college level after graduation. Richardson recently announced his commitment to New Mexico State over offers from KU, Penn, and Northern Iowa. Reed’s recruitment only began to heat up this spring when he posted excellent marks at the Sharp Performance Showcase in April. Current offers include South Dakota, Emporia State, and Butler Community College. But Richardson and Reed aren’t the only pieces returning to help the Scots end the streak. Monroe welcomes back 11 lettermen total with eight offensive and defensive starters returning. Senior QB Kei’Juan Johnson, who threw for 279 yards and three touchdowns while splitting time with since-graduated Kellan Spruce, appears ready to help lead the Scots to that elusive streak-shattering first victory, as does senior receiver and defensive back Ay’Dren Drew, who had the second most receiving yards on the team with 172, and the most tackles in the defensive backfield with 28.
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For Sommer, the side of the ball he is on doesn’t matter, it’s always the same fast-pace approach.
“The kids bought in day one,” Schartz said. “They believed in, for whatever reason, in what we were telling them and we changed that culture really fast. In fact, they changed it. Before they were 2-7. They got sick of that. They were working too hard for 2-7, putting too much time in and not seeing the fruits of their labor, they wanted something different. What we brought was different.”
“My mentality doesn’t really change no matter which side of the ball I’m on,” Sommer said. “I just try to fly around and make plays to help execute whatever game plan we have. Over the years I’ve learned to have fun and to not play timid, because that’s when you get hurt.”
Among the talent returning, nobody made a bigger impact than All-State honorable mention senior Trey Sommer, who has shown a chameleon-like ability to adapt to whatever the team needs since his first year in the program. “As a freshman, we actually listed him as number 34 and number 74 because we thought he would either be a tight end or tackle for us,” Wyrick said. “As a sophomore he was our starting H-back and was transitioning into getting more carries at running back when our quarterback went down for the season at the beginning of Week 3. So he went from our leading receiver to our leading passer and rusher the rest of the year. This past season he led our rushing attack and offense at running back. He truly runs like a throwback-type fullback, and it’s an attitude that really kickstarts our team.” Sommer led the team in rushing last season with 1,097 yards and 14 touchdowns on 6.5 yards per carry and added another 200 yards and three scores on 14 receptions. Defensively he recorded 82 tackles, 10 tackles for loss, and two“Treyinterceptions.doesagood job of allowing himself to flow and react defensively,” Wyrick said. “We try our best as a coaching staff to really simplify things, especially on defense, to allow our kids to really react to what is happening and not think too much. We had a pretty good feeling about Trey’s instincts early on in his high school career, and felt like he would have a very good high school career at linebacker.”
Others returning for Humboldt offensively include allleague honorable mention senior tight end Dakota Slocum (437 rec. yds., 5 TDs) senior receiver Aiden Gean (87 rush yds., TD), junior receiver Sam Hull (234 rec. yds., 2 TDs), sophomore fullback Logan Page, and four of last year’s starting O-linemen, including junior Garren Goodner, and seniors Maddox Johnson, and William Kobold.
CUBS
Humboldt’s current group of seniors rose through the leadership ranks quicker than most others due to a lack of overall depth a season ago, and it’s something Sommer takes“Leadershipseriously.is a key component to success, not only on the field, but off the field too,” Sommer said. “If you aren’t someone who the underclassmen can look up to they won’t want to play next to or be on the field with you. I try my hardest to be that teammate that everyone wants to play with and I just try to make the off the field activities fun and enjoyable too.”
“I think we should be solid in every position on the field,” Sommer said. “Many of our sophomores this fall all had varsity experience and saw the field quite a bit as freshmen, so they successpartwilloffseasonimprovecontinueshouldtothisandbeabigtoourthis season.”
As the 2022 season approaches, Schartz and company are looking forward to another opportunity to build on the Crusader legacy and feature a talented roster led by junior Omari Elias and senior K-State commit Will Anciaux. Elias, who rushed for 2,303 yards and 30 touchdowns on 303 carries, was a workhorse for the Crusader I-formation offense last season, and did so methodically. “My mindset as a running back is to be as efficient as pos sible, and maximize production,” Elias said. “When the big guys up front give me an opportunity, it’s my job to make the most of it. When they don’t, that’s when I get to showcase the abilities that we work on day in and day out in practice to polish and perfect the craft. I really focus on being the hammer, rather than the nail.”
Photos by Joey Bahr Omari Elias Will Anciaux
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 41
HUMBOLDT
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer As nine-time State Champions, Kapaun Mt. Carmel has high expectations for their football program, but with one caveat, the last title came 35 years ago in 1987. After the highs and lows of the 15-year, 81-67 tenure of Dan Adelhardt – the peak a 2013 5A Sectionals appear ance, the low a 2-7 2019 season that led to a coaching staff overhaul – now third year head coach Weston Schartz has already reestablished the Crusaders as a state power, going 18-4 in two seasons and just missing out on a trip to the 5A title game after a 22-21 loss to Maize last fall.
CRUSADERSTreySommer
Anciaux chose K-State despite receiving offers from Mich. State, Cal, Iowa State, KU, and others. His individual time and effort have been largely devoted to his preparation. “This offseason I have spent a lot of time in the weight room focusing on getting stronger and faster, as well as improving my route running and footwork to take my game to the next level,” Anciaux said Last season, Anciaux finished with 20 receptions for 283 yards and three touchdowns in Kapaun’s run-centric of fense. This season, with junior quarterback Dylan Hamilton back, and teams keying on Elias, it could be open season for“HeAnciaux.works very hard, being a DI recruit, he doesn’t take that for granted,” Schartz said. “Every day he comes to work in the weight room and on the field. He’s really developed and is going to have a good year this year. We’re going to move him, he can line up at other places besides tight end. He’s a great kid, a great young man and a very good football player.” Other returning of fensive starters for Kapaun include Hamilton (74-110, 1077 yds., 14 TD, 3 INTs, 35 car., 113 yds., 1 TD) and 6-4 junior receiver Will Thengvall (17 rec., 227 yds., 4 TD). Defensively, it’s senior linebackers Nathan Fury (105 tkls.) and Adrian Turner, senior D-back Dominic Shibley (2 INTs) and senior D-ends Louis Traglia (7 sacks) and Anciaux. While just four offensive and five defensive starters return, the Crusaders bring back 40 lettermen, and as far as Elias is concerned, it’s a clean slate for Kapaun. “I think we will just have to remember that every season you’re starting from scratch,” Elias said. “We can’t rely on what the teams before this one have done, but it’s important to remember them, because we know the kind of work it will take to get where we want to be. We also just need to have fun. We have great chemistry, and MT. CARMEL
While on defense, the Tigers bring back sophomore D-back Blake Ellis (17 tkls., 1 INT), along with cornerbacks Gean and Hull (17 tkls., INT), sophomore linebackers Kyler Isbell (40 tkls., 1 TFL, 1 FR) and Coles Mathes (32 tkls., 4 TFLs), and defensive linemen including Page (24 tkls., 1 FR), Johnson (49 tkls., 9 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 FR, 1 FF), and Goodner (23 tkls., 7 TFLs).
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Humboldt finished 6-4 a season ago after a second round playoff exit and bring back a deep pool of talent including eight returning offensive starters and nine on defense. A big focus for eighth year head coach Logan Wyrick is finding a signal caller on an otherwise well stocked varsity lineup after the graduation of senior Gavin Page, who finished last year with nearly 2,000 total yards and 21 touchdowns. “We return nine or ten starters on both sides of the ball, and many other athletes that have a lot of starting and playing experience,” Wyrick said. “We return more lettermen (19) than I’ve ever returned as a head coach. We still have major holes to fill, specifically at quarterback, but we are excited about the talent we do return and feel that this group can have a lot of success, as long as they continue to put the work in this summer, and leading up to the season.”
The 5-9, 185 pound back has shown impressive work eth ic, maintaining a 4.04 GPA in the classroom and competing in wrestling, track and baseball along with football. According to his coach, those efforts have paid off. “Omari has made himself a legit DI prospect,” Schartz said. “He grew into his body, got faster, worked out. He ran track, which I think helped him, plus he’s done some personal training.” Anciaux, a 6-7, 230 pound tight end and defen sive end is also honing in on his team’s success this fall. “One of my main focuses has been learning from the last season and bettering myself and my teammates so that we can bounce back this coming season and continue building on what we’ve been building the last couple of years.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 42 www.ktsro.org/safe stepwouldn’tYouontheFOOTBALLFIELDwithoutprotectingyourself! Before you put your car in gear be sure to do the same!
Braxton Lafferty
Photos by Joey Bahr peoples.bank 310 Main St | Little River, KS
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Little River saw their 20-game win streak and back-toback state championship aspirations dashed in 2021’s 8-Man I state title game falling to Meade by a score of 22-14. Despite the tough ending, head coach Kevin Ayers and his squad have had an incredible three-season run, going 32-5 with a 2020 state title and a couple deep playoff runs to show for it. Now, Little River looks to a group of key returning skill players to help lead the way while Ayers tries to reload on the offensive line.
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“My mindset would probably be that no one can beat us and that I’m going to go out there and do my best,” Lafferty said. The 6-foot, 195 pound senior can hurt team’s in a number of ways, with his obvious physical tools, as well as his smarts – he maintains a 3.8 GPA – allowing him to wear a multitude of hats on the field.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 43
“Being a coach’s son, his football IQ is extremely high,” Ayers said. “Physically he can do so many things on the football field to help our team. His skillset allows him to play multiple positions on both sides of the ball. With that said it takes a very intelligent and focused player to be able to go into a game and execute at the level Braxton does.”Lafftery’s father, Chad Lafferty, is currently an assistant coach on the Little River staff and served as head coach for two seasons in 2017 and 2018, going 14-5, before moving to an assistant role when Ayers took over the head spot. As the coming season approaches, the younger Lafferty and his team are confident and have one goal in mind. “My main focus is to get better this year and go win another State Championship,” Lafferty said. “I would say we have to be physical and play together and we will be ready to go.“
“Replacing our seniors who all played on the offensive line will be a very difficult task,” Ayers said. “Players are going to have to move positions and embrace what it takes to be a physical offensive lineman.”
“Commitment to Excellence” RIVERLITTLE SCHOOLS LITTLE RIVER REDSKINS
Last but not least among those returning starters is senior running back and linebacker Braxton Lafferty, a four-year starter who did a little bit of everything last season, leading the team in rushing with 1,435 yards and 25 touchdowns on nine yards per carry, catching 14 passes for 311 yards and eight touchdowns, going 18-29 passing for 358 yards with six touchdowns to two interceptions, defensively recording 90 tackles, six tackles for loss, a fumble recovery, and three interceptions, and finally returning a kickoff for a touchdown with just two attempts at it. “Braxton loves to compete,” Ayers said. “It doesn’t mat ter the sport, the time, or place, he will give it everything he has. If it’s a competitive situation, Braxton is going to bringLafferty’sit.” approach to the game mirrors much of what his coach describes.
Two of those three now graduated seniors, Kaden Schafer and Kyle Bruce, were members of Kansas Pregame’s 8-Man Top 8 team, while Carter Holloway and tight end Ty Herzog were also extremely effective blockers.LittleRiver is far from being without experienced talent, with the returning starters including senior All-State hon orable mention quarterback and standout defensive back Rylan Konen (45-97, 890 yards, 15 TDs, 3 INTs, 109 car., 906 yards, 19 TDs; 42 tkls., 1 INT, 3 PDs), senior All-State honorable mention tight end and linebacker Grant Stephens (14 rec., 311 yards, 8 TDs, 44 car., 369 yards, 8 TDs; 99 tkls., 9 TFLs, 2 sacks, 3 PDs, 3 FRs, 1 FF), and senior receiver and All-State honorable mention defensive back Braden Young (25 rec., 398 yards, 2 TDs, 46 car, 380 yards, 8 TDs, 355 KR yards, 209 PR yards, 3 PR TDs; 46 tkls., 6 INTs, 5 PDs, 1 FR).
A championship would give Lafferty and the junior and senior classes their third consecutive title game appearance and second state title after winning it in 2020. For Ayers it would be his fourth to go with the 2020 title, as well as two titles with Jetmore in 2001 and 2003, and another with Sharon Springs-Wallace County in 2007.
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Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 45
Justin Stephens
The leader of the Eagles’ explosive offense is All-State QB Avery Johnson, who shredded defenses last year with 2,550 passing yards and 20 touchdowns to six interceptions, adding 1,080 rushing yards for another 22 scores. “Avery was already a good quarterback when he first came to Maize High School,” Guzman said. “But like all athletes that work hard to get better, he has continued to develop both physically and mentally. His quarterback skills and his understanding of the game have definitely increased. Avery has done a great job of surrounding himself with people that have been able to help him take his game to a different level.”
Johnson has seen a whirlwind of attention from Power 5 programs across the country, including K-State, KU, Oregon, Washington, Virginia, Arkansas, Florida State, and many others, but on July 5th he announced his commitment to K-State on CBS Sports HQ, giving the Wildcats a near clean sweep of top Wichita prospects along with Kapaun’s Will Anciaux, and Collegiate’s Wesley Fair. At press time, Wichita Heights standout John Randle Jr. had yet to announce his college plans and Derby’s Dylan Edwards reopened his recruitment after originally committing to K-State earlier in the summer. Hutchinson, KS 67502 (620) 662-6160
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“Justin broke the scaphoid bone – peanut shaped bone in his right wrist – and missed the Ark City game on September 24th,” Guzman said. “After returning, he continued to play well for us as a receiver and long snapper and was very instrumental in the success that we experienced.”
“We had a great run last year,” Cohoon said. “Now we know what it feels like to be this year.” Given the senior group’s success since entering high school – 29-7 record with multiple deep playoff runs – it’s no surprise that they’ve got a collective one-track mind. “We are definitely blessed with a stacked class, which makes it really fun,” Cohoon said. “But we all have the same goal that we are looking to accomplish, and that’s to win a State Championship.”
Cohoon, who maintains a 4.012 GPA in the classroom, has shown the ability to make contested grabs, is a smooth route-runner, and has a 6-3 frame with a 37-inch vertical, making him a dynamic option for Johnson. His mix of speed and size earned him offers from a number of FBS and FCS schools, including Air Force, Army, UMass, Northern Iowa, Southeast Missouri and others, but after a mid-summer visit to Syracuse, Cohoon accepted an offer to play wide receiver for the Orange virtually on the spot.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Maize football under veteran Wichita area head coach Gary Guzman has inched closer to a championship since he took over the position in 2011, most recently making it to the title game in 2021 before losing to Mill Valley, winners of three straight 5A titles and five of the last seven. In 2022, another opportunity presents itself for Guzman and company as the Eagles bring back an experienced group of playmak ers poised to make a curtain call behind the arm of 4-Star senior quarterback Avery Johnson.
Stephens, who earned All-State recognition, has received recruiting interest from K-State, South Dakota State, Butler Community College and others, and shares much of Cohoon’s optimism for the season.
MAIZE EAGLES
KHP TROOPER PROFILE
“I would say that we were very young last year, so we have a lot of guys coming back and that means a lot of guys will know a lot of the situations that we could get into,” Stephens said. “We learned last year that you can’t just walk in the game and win. You have to show up everyday, put in the effort, put in the hard work, and compete every single snap between whistles.”
Senior Justin Stephens is another reliable target, last season catching 42 passes for 717 yards and six touchdowns, good for 17.1 yards per catch, and this with a cast on his right wrist from Week 5 onward.
The signal-caller gets back talented senior receivers Bryce Cohoon and Justin Stephens, along with 1,200-yard rusher Daeshaun Carter, and is looking to build on an already decorated three-sport legacy that includes postseason appearances and accolades in football, basketball, and baseball. Cohoon, an all-league wide receiver with incendiary speed, is confident in the team’s ability to make it back to the title game with what they learned as a team last season.
Ben Marten, Technical Trooper, Seven Years of Service Prep Sports: Football, Wrestling, Track “During high school sports, I learned the value of hard work, mental toughness, and dedication and how to apply those to all aspects of life. It was very rewarding to see how spending time in the weight room contributed to physical and mental strength. I still apply these principles to life within KHP. Becoming a Trooper is no easy task, but it is also extremely rewarding. Just like on the football field, not everything is going to go the way you want it to, but you must find a way to overcome adversity.”
Avery Johnson Bryce Cohoon Photos by Joey Bahr continued on page 48
Cohoon reeled in 40 receptions for 804 yards and seven touchdowns last fall, despite missing time his junior season due to injury, and is one of the fastest athletes in Kansas with a top 40 time of 4.47 and a 100-meter dash clocked at 10.57, which earned him a 5A gold medal at the Kansas State Track & Field Championships in May. “Bryce is obviously a deep threat in our offense,” coach Guzman said. “But he is also dangerous in our short passing game with yards after catch.”
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“One of my goals is to be the best player I can be for my team this season,” Bauer said. “The offensive and defensive lines are young this season with only three varsity returners, but overall I’m feeling confident about the size and athleti cism in our guys.”
The multi-talented senior considercurrentlyis ing a DII offer from Emporia State and a junior college offer from Butler, but also is gaining interest from KU and K-State, along with others. Boss is also a standout basketball player and won a State Championship in the 2A javelin in May.
After 34 years of coaching, the last six as head coach at Olathe South, Craig Lewis decided to retire after posting a 21-35 record at OSHS, including a 5-5 finish in 2021. Taking over for Lewis is Ron Litchfield, a coach with 32 years experience as both head and assistant, with his most recent stop at Pleasant Valley High School in Bettendorf, Iowa, where he spent the last eight seasons.
team player I can be on the field,” Allen said. Although they’re still in a relatively early stage of becoming acclimated to each other, Litchfield is feeling good about his team“Jordanleaders.and Jack are very intelligent players,” Litchfield said. “They both play with a physical style. They are quiet leaders on our team. Their greatest influence is their work ethic. We are all new with each other, so it’s too early to see how things will fall. I’ve been really impressed with the players’ willingness to work and learn. The players want to be good.”
Litchfield takes over a roster heavily affected by gradua tion, with only three offensive and four defensive starters returning, but the few returning are high quality. Offensively, junior quarterback Bryce Noernberg is back after going 52 of 77 for 679 yards and five touchdowns to only one interception, with another 489 yards and six scores coming on 71 carries in eight games last season. Noernberg’s top returning receiver is tight end Jordan Allen (3 rec., 31 yds., 1 TD), and senior guard Jack Bauer is back to anchor the offensive line. Bauer, who measures in at 6-4, 290 pounds, is currently among the top offensive line prospects in the state after a strong season in 2021. He has interest from Kansas, K-State, Air Force, and a number of FCS programs along with offers from Emporia State, Central Missouri and Missouri Western.
Aside from Boss, Osage City also gets back first team all-district tight end and defensive end and second team of fensive utility player, senior Kaden Kirkpatrick, who caught 13 passes for 184 yards and 3 touchdowns, and recorded 39 tackles, nine tackles for loss, a sack, and two fumble recoveries over seven games.
Also returning are senior offensive linemen Dalton Rush and Mason Gibson, All-State honorable mention inside linebacker Cooper Parsons (86 tkls., 5.5 TFLs, 1 sack, 1 INT), and senior second team all-district defensive back Breckin Bowin (22 tkls., 2 INTs). “I am really excited about the group this fall,” Boss said. “We are a tight knit group that has played together since we were little kids. We graduated some key players from last year but I think we are bringing back some weapons to make it an exciting season. “Our biggest team focus is to make a deep run in the playoffs and make some noise in 2A.”
OSAGE CITY INDIANS Landon Boss Jordan Allen Jack Bauer
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 47 For more information contact: Corey Linton – 785-806-8911 or rec@osagecity.com inSMOKEtheSpring www.facebook.com/smokeinthespring
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer
Returning defensive starters include senior linebacker Aiden Blum (83 tkls., 2 sacks), senior safety Zane Hall (46 tkls.), and defensive ends Allen and junior Simon Groves. Allen is near the top of the recruiting rankings in Kansas and holds offers from Iowa, Iowa State, Missouri, Illinois, Kansas, Kansas State, and many others. As a junior he recorded 78 tackles with seven sacks. He narrowed his Top 4 to Missouri, Iowa State, K-State and Iowa, but had yet to commit at press time. “I would say some of my biggest strengths on the field are being a team player as well as being a leader on my team,” Allen said. And while Allen’s ability to physically dominate isn’t in doubt, the 6-4, 245 pound edge rusher wants to continue to grow his game elsewhere. “One of my focuses this season is to really break down the game in the film room and become the best
SOUTH
Boss’ understanding of the game from four years as QB1 and team first attitude are well-known among his teammates, but the standard he sets in terms of work ethic is arguably where he makes his biggest impact. “Landon checks every box as a football player at the positions he plays, but his greatest strength is his mindset. Despite checking all the boxes, he’s always in a relentless pursuit of improvement.”
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“My first month has been really positive,” Litchfield said earlier this summer. “The players and staff have worked extremely hard to get us going. The players have been committed to making this an excellent start for all of us. Initially the draw was Dale Longenecker, our principal. But since then the players, staff, and community have been outstanding. Everyone involved in the program has been very helpful and willing to help in any way possible.”
Photos by Joey Bahr
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer After going 8-2 in 2021 with their only regular season loss to league opponent Wellsville and then Riverton in a 28-22 OT loss in the Regionals, Osage City returns a handful of starters on both sides of the ball and says goodbye to nearly all of their playmakers. Despite the challenges, the Indians feel good about who they bring back. “We like the guys we’re bringing back this fall,” head coach Andrew Gantenbein said. “We return four starters on both sides of the ball, along with a couple others that earned a start or two last fall due to injury. We have a good number of guys that have been working hard this offseason that are ready to step up and compete for spots as well.” Leading the way on both sides for Osage City is senior Landon Boss, who earned first team all-district at quarter back and second team honors at linebacker. “Landon has played more on offense than defense through the years, because it’s easier to rotate a linebacker than a quarterback,” Gantenbein said. “However, I don’t think Landon’s teammates care which side of the ball he’s on. They know that when he’s in the game, he will lay it on the line for them. He leads them by example. They respect that, and they respect him.” Last season Boss ran the ball 62 times for 635 yards and 15 touchdowns, while also going 74 of 125 passing for 1,378 yards and 16 touchdowns, all without throwing an interception. Defensively, he recorded 50 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, a sack, and three interceptions. “Landon has been playing tackle football since fourth grade, and the basics of our system are consistent from our youngest teams to high school,” Gantenbein said. “So it’s been a very natural progression from then to now. Plus, he is smart and has good knowledge of the game.”
OLATHE FALCONS
“I believe that our team is very confident about our upcoming season, but they also understand that we graduated several key players that had a lot to do with last year’s success,” Guzman said. “We have to take one game at a time and we cannot look past anyone.”
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Ladish’s targets will include the team’s second leading receiver last season, senior Colin Vigil, who had 35 recep tions for 557 yards and four scores, as well as 6-4, 210 pound senior tight end Zack Knetter, and the backfield duo
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 49
starters from South Haven include senior offensive lineman/linebacker Cole Theurer, senior wide receiver/defensive back Cole Wiens, and junior running back/linebacker Alex Smith, while Caldwell brings back senior tight end/D-end Christopher Clark, junior lineman Miles Newell (All-State O-line), junior linebacker/tight end Jackson Risley (All-State LB), and senior QB/D-back Keiondre Smith (first team All-State QB). Smith was a devastating dual-threat QB last fall, rushing for 2,027 yards on 223 carries with an additional 899 pass ing yards for 48 total touchdowns (33 rush, 15 pass), with many of those yards coming from sheer determination. “My biggest strength is doing whatever it takes to succeed and my main focus is to never let up or take a play off,” Smith said. Smith was no less productive on defense, tallying 59 tackles, five interceptions, seven pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries. He also served as the team’s punter at times, averaging 35.5 yards on four attempts. “Keio, in general, is one of the most unselfish players I have had the privilege to coach,” Blosser said. “He is a team first player that wants to do whatever it takes to help his team be successful. His athletic ability is what the ma jority of people see, and it is a great tool for him. However, the time he puts into the game and learning his position to make the best possible reads is one of his biggest strengths for our program.”
“I think the key to our success is just really coming togeth er as a team and playing for each other,” Beebe said. “We have all the pieces to make a run for a state title, we just have to put them together.”
PIRATES
With Pollard now just up the road at Lansing, Black and his new team are ready to press forward, and according to the team’s top returning player, senior Camden Beebe, expectations are still high.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer In 2021, Caldwell managed an 8-2 record with their sea son ending in a close second round playoff loss to Victoria, while Sumner County rival, South Haven finished 1-8, but closed out with a strong 79-34 win over Chase.
Other top statistical returners for South Sumner include Eames, who recorded 49 tackles and seven tackles for loss, along with fellow interior lineman Miles Newell, who recorded 66 tackles and seven tackles for loss.
of senior Miguel Martin and junior JJ Jarret. On the O-line, Beebe is bolstered by seniors Cameron Rogers (6-0, 270 pounds) and Samuel Jarvis (6-0, 280 pounds). Along with junior free safety Zane Pudenz, Vigil, Jarrett, and Martin make up the Pirate’s defensive backfield from a season ago, while Beebe and Rogers return on the interior line with juniors Evan Damron and Jamar Lynch back at D-end, and seniors Terrel Anderson and team leader in tackles Mason L’Heureux back at linebacker.
“The best person at each position will play,” Blosser said. “We are one team, and our goal is to develop the best young men we can. The best player will have the opportuni ty to earn a position and they will have to keep earning the opportunity.”Returning
Aside from Basehor-Linwood, the UKC includes De Soto, Lansing, Leavenworth, Shawnee Heights, Topeka West, Topeka Seaman and KC-Turner for the 2022 season.
continued on page 144
Although Piper did lose some key pieces to graduation –honorable mention All-State receiver Divante Herrig-Brittain and honorable mention All-State defensive back Ethan Walker among them – eight offensive and 10 defensive starters return for Black to work with as he installs his own schemes.“Sofarthe learning of the offense has been slow,” Black said. “We didn’t have the time to do classroom teaching on it much. We hit the ground running with my first day of camp being my first full day back in Piper. After our camp we went to the Pitt. State team camp and were the smallest team there. We played against 5 and 6A teams from Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Missouri. It was really tough, but our kids looked pretty good and learned a lot of our offense.”
“The leadership from them (Smith and Risley) and all of our young men will be the key to our success,” Blosser said. “As well as our coaching staff, admin, and commu nities. The pieces are in place to set up an opportunity to build a great program. The buy-in as a whole is the number one priority. We believe we have young men from both things.”greatteamleadthatcommunitieswillthisto
While the reps and experience that come with facing new opponents is vital to a team readjusting its philosophy, the Pirates have other motives as they join the upstart United Kansas“PlayingConference.againstthose teams should prove to be very important as we are changing leagues and will play all 5 and 6A teams,” Black said. “And the only 4A is Basehor, who has really been good and is very well-coached.”
During the Caldwell/South Haven Thunderbirds 2018 and 2019 junior high seasons, the year current upperclassmen were in seventh and eighth grade, the team lost just once. “I’m excited about it, everyone else is,” junior Jackson Risley said. “There’s a lot of potential on this team and they know that. We’re excited to get in the weight room, and on the field together and compete.”
Head coach Sean Blosser, hailing from Caldwell, where he posted a 73-37 record over 11 seasons, moves into the head coaching role for the new South Sumner team. “All South Sumner football student-athletes will be working together for summer weights,” Blosser said this spring. “This will be the biggest part of building the team we will have for the upcoming season and will have the biggest effect on the success we have this season.”
The two teams are rivals no more after an athletics coop erative launched in the spring of 2022 created the South Sumner Outlaws. The move will bump the combined team, which competed separately in 8-Man II, to 8-Man I. But this is not the two towns first cooperative effort.
L’Heureux carded 120 stops a year ago, to go with 9 tackles for loss, a sack and five forced fumbles, while Anderson finished third on the team in tackles with 96, including two for loss and a sack. L’Heureux is expected to keep his position as weak side linebacker, while Anderson will move from strong side to middle.
Another key returner for Blosser’s squad is junior Jackson Risley, who led Caldwell in tackles with 113, four of them for a loss, along with two sacks, three interceptions, a pass deflection, and three fumble recoveries. “Jackson’s biggest strength on the field, in general, is his work ethic,” Blosser said. “He is a young man that works incredibly hard year round to better himself and his teammates. Offensively the past two seasons he has been our physical blocking tight end that is a great threat in the passing game.”
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer After unexpectedly deciding not to renew former head coach Rick Pollard’s contract this past winter, KC-Piper is moving on with 24th year head coach John Black, a Piper alum and former assistant at his alma mater whose résumé includes a 94-110 record with stops at Wamego, Valley Center, Neodesha, and most recently, Independence.
Jackson Risley Keiondre Smith
The schools will play as South Sumner for football, cross country, baseball, and softball, but will compete as Caldwell and South Haven for volleyball, basketball, and track.
CamdenOUTLAWSBeebe
The Pirates were 7-4 last year with a third round playoff appearance and their three regular season losses coming by less than a touchdown each. Their final loss of the year came at the hands of eventual repeat 4A State Champs St. James Academy and former Piper head coach Tom Radke.
Risley had 12 receptions for 197 yards and three TDs as a sophomore, but whether or not his number is called on a play, his approach remains the same. “My biggest strength on the field is my physicality, all the time, every game,” Risley said. “I’m going to put everything I got down and do anything I can to win.”
SOUTH SUMNER
PIPER
“We had the same team when we were in middle school,” senior Keiondre Smith said. “What we want as a team is to get better and better, day-by-day.”
While South Haven and Caldwell both have talent return ing from last year, Blosser is stressing the availability of starting spots for athletes willing to earn them.
Photos by Joey Bahr
“Probably the strength of the team is our overall team athleticism,” Black said. “Our skill guys are pretty good and a little more physical than I expected. Our O-line is going to have probably three guys that are good-sized. We still won’t be the biggest line around, but we will have a very athletic team.”Abig key for Piper’s success in the league will be the re turn of senior quarterback Logan Ladish, who threw for 625 yards and ran for 297 with a total of 11 touchdowns in just three games before his season was cut short by injuries.
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Hurla has much the same impact at defensive back where he tallied 35 tackles with an interception last fall. “Defensively he attacks the game the same way,” Schenk said. “He plays physical while controlling the communica tion and adjustments from his safety spot.” Schenk returns a talented group around him consisting of five offensive and six defensive starters, all upperclassmen.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 51
After the upcoming school year’s conclusion, Hurla, a standout in multiple sports, will have a number of options to play at the next level. He currently holds an offer from Washburn basketball and has interest from several schools for his play on the gridiron. “Right now I’m not sure exactly what I want to do post-grad,” Hurla said. “I do know that I want to play either basketball or football in college, just not sure which one yet.”
ST. MARYS BEARS
Two of Hurla’s top targets return in seniors Abe Huaracha and Kason Gomez. Huaracha, a 6-foot, 190 pound tight end finished with 210 receiving yards and two TDs, while Gomez totaled 286 yards with five scores. Senior Josh Deiter and junior Atticus Martin return along the O-line. Defensively, St. Marys gets back all three of its lineback ers with the senior trio of James Rezac (35 tkls., 6 TFLs, 2 sacks, INT), Gomez (16 tkls., 5.5 TFLs, 1.5 sacks, 3 blocked kicks) and Huaracha (57 tkls., 3.5 sacks, 7.5 TFLs, 3 FFs, 4 INTs). Martin (21 tkls., 9.5 TFLs, 3.5 sacks) returns on the D-line while junior D-back Nate Hutley rounds out the returning defensive starters. “We have significant challenges this year in each game we play, but especially our league schools,” Schenk said. “They each have great coaches, players and traditions. I expect our games after league to be tough as well. The team’s strength will be the senior football players because of their dedication, experience and leadership.”
Although they have more than enough enrollment to qualify for the 6-Man division, like many other programs in the state’s smallest football classification, the Titans fight an uphill battle when it comes to depth. “We still are only going to be having around 10 kids out for football,” coach Woolf said. “So the kids are going to have to be in shape since most of them won’t be leaving the field much during the game.”
While Woolf can be expected to line up all over the field offensively, defensively he is likely to return to his nose guard position, where he consistently dammed up the interi or line last season. “Brock has tremendous reach,” coach Woolf said. “I imag ine we will have him inside again on defense. He has been working in the weight room hard this offseason and is seeing great improvements in his strength. He has incorporated Olympic lifts into his program that hopefully will make his quickness better and getting to the ball on defense.” With Woolf leading the way, the rest of the roster is expected to take a step forward this season as“Brockwell. isn’t the only athlete we have,” coach Woolf said. “There are several, though not as big, that have a great knack for the game and play hard. I look forward to seeing how well they adapt to the 6-Man game.” That group includes juniors Nick Zerr (WR/DB), Ben Peterson (OL/DE), Cort Collins (OL/DE), Koda Kvasnicka (RB/MLB), and sophomore Jayden Kenny (OL). While their defensive positions are still apt to change given the adjustments needed for the 6-Man game, coach Woolf is more certain on the finality of his offensive positions. “Our team’s goal this year is to make a deep run and pos sibly a State Championship this year,” Brock Woolf said. “I have a great feeling about this year. We have a big group of upcoming juniors and I think we have the size, speed and strength to do great things this year.”
Building on the improved competition against league teams and the two win improvement in coach Kyle Schenk’s second season, St. Marys gets back a number of top play ers, including all-league senior Keller Hurla, who will look to lead the Bears to some MEL wins in Schenk’s third year. “The Mid-East league is loaded every year with great teams, especially in football,” Hurla said. “The past couple of years our name hasn’t been at the top of the list, which I think has a good chance to change this year. Last year our name was in the mix, but I think this year we can definitely make some noise in the league.” Last season, Hurla threw for 1,581 yards and ran for another 490, totalling 26 touchdowns during his junior campaign as the Bears’ signal caller. “Offensively, Keller is a true dual-threat quarterback,” coach Schenk said. “His mental toughness allows him to stand in the pocket while taking a hit to make an important completion, as well as lowering his shoulder to get an important first down. His intelligence allows us to be very multiple in our scheme.”
One change that could help the Bears in the postseason is the move to 1A for the next two seasons, helping them to avoid the likes of league rivals, and perennial powers, Rossville and Silver Lake, in the playoffs. If the Bears can come out of season opening league contests with Rossville, Rock Creek, and Silver Lake healthy they’ll likely be very prepared for their five 1A District 3 foes of Mission Valley, McLouth, Oskaloosa, Valley Falls and Jeff. County North.
TRIPLAINS/BREWSTER
tackles, 10 tackles for a loss, a sack, and a blocked punt in eight games last fall. “A great strength of Brock is his athletic ability to play many different positions,” coach Woolf said. “Last year Coach Brett had him at fullback and then nose-guard on defense. Brock has great hands so we used him at tight end as well.” Brock’s versatility on the offensive side of the ball is rare, with the ability to block with his elite size and also to tote the ball himself when necessary. “Brock isn’t that fastest kid on the field, but he runs the ball hard when he gets it and is even a better blocker to the tailback,” coach Woolf said. “He is our primary receiver in passing situations as well. This year, we hope to utilize his throwing arm as well as he has a great arm with speed and accuracy. It will be fun in the 6-Man game being able to move Brock around to different positions and always keeping him a threat to run or catch or throw.”
After more than 15 years of fielding a cooperative 8-Man team, Triplains-Brewster is making the move to 6-Man for the 2022 season after going 2-6 a season ago. With en rollment sitting at 44, the program was one of the smallest 8-Man cooperatives in the state, but with the move they instantly are on par with the schools in the newly KSHSAA sanctioned 6-Man classification. Another change for the Titans is their head coach, with former assistant Greg Woolf taking over for Brett Gfeller. He’ll have at least one key piece returning to rely on, his son, Brock. “We are excited about the first year of 6-Man,” coach Woolf said. “I have coached 11-Man and 8-Man, but this will be the first year in 6-Man. I’ve enjoyed coming up with our offense and seeing how the kids best fit into each position. Brock will be our only senior this year, but we have a strong class of Despitejuniors.”theshifting of factors surrounding football for Triplains-Brewster, the older Woolf provides continuity. “I’ve assisted Brett for the past two seasons and know these kids,” Woolf said. “I coached them in basketball last year as well and know their strong work ethic and desire to win. They all do exactly what they are told to do to the best of their ability. I can’t ask for more than that.”
Photos by Joey Bahr
TITANSKellerHurlaBrockWoolf
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Despite going 5-0 against non-league opponents, St. Marys came up short in all four Mid-East League matchups a season ago. To underscore just how tough the MEL was a year ago, all five teams – Rossville, Riley County, Silver Lake, Rock Creek, St. Marys – posted winning records with an overall mark of 43-12 and each advanced to at least the second round of the 2A or 3A playoffs. What’s more, in the 2A playoffs, the only teams that de feated MEL teams were MEL teams, with Silver Lake facing St. Marys for a second time in the second round of the play offs and winning 51-36, before advancing to the semifinals and losing to eventual 2A State Champs Rossville, 36-8. Although they finished last in their league, St. Marys was competitive in all four losses, with a 17-14 loss to Riley County in Week 2 followed by a 29-28 heartbreaker to Silver Lake in Week 3. Eventual 2A Champion Rossville handed the Bears a 44-20 loss in Week 4 and Silver Lake won the previously mentioned rematch in the playoffs.
A huge bright spot for the Titans’ is lone returning senior and head coach Greg Woolf’s son, Brock Woolf, and the word “huge” can be used literally in this sense – he’s 6-6, 245 pounds – or figuratively when it comes to his impact –he gained 423 total yards with three touchdowns, despite spending much of his time blocking, and also recorded 41
410 Lincoln Ave • 785-456-7421Wamego Downtown Barleycorn’sDeli 412 LINCOLN AVE. • WAMEGO, KS 785-456-7420 Lincoln St. Station WTCKS.COM 877.982.1912 WAMEGO RED RAIDERS Hayden Oviatt
“This is the year to do it and go all the way for Wamego,” Oviatt said. “I believe we have 15 returning starters and the leadership qualities of our senior class will carry quite the load if need be.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 52
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Prior to their third round playoff loss against eventual State Runner-up Andover Central, Wamego appeared nearly invincible with their only regular season loss a 41-40 four overtime marathon against Concordia in the season opener. Head coach Weston Moody has gone 26-14 entering his fifth season with the program and is coming off his most successful season yet after a 9-2 mark last fall. From that squad, seven offensive and eight defensive starters return, including senior All-State QB Hayden Oviatt and three senior WRs coming off productive years in Colin Donahue (409 rec. yds., 5 TDs), Hagan Johnson (375 rec. yds., 7 TDs), and Chase Cottam (452 rec. yds., 10 TDs).
Another strength for Oviatt honed by his many fall Friday nights on the varsity field is his ability to lead in clutch situa tions, evidenced by the Red Raiders overtime wins in Week 3 against Clay Center and Week 5 against Paola. “Hayden’s mental toughness is something that not a lot of people have,” Moody said. “He knows what it takes to win and has the IQ to get better and apply coaching to the game. His focus is laser sharp and his leadership is subtle and meaningful. He makes everyone better.”
Wamego brings back no shortage of talent and expe rience on the defensive side of the ball either, with eight starters returning, including senior defensive linemen Ariston Gamino and Gage Woodward, senior All-State honorable mention linebacker Grant Larson (83 tkls.), and a deep group of defensive backs including All-State honor able mention Dawson Tajchman (63 tkls., 6 TFLs, 4 INTs), along with fellow seniors Tayke Weber, Lane Jeanneret, and juniors Drew Pettay and Thomas McIntyre. “This senior class is very close and probably has the most football junkies since I’ve been in Wamego,” Moody said. “We have a lot of kids that want to go play at the next level. We have great leadership and they’ve grown so much. I’m pretty excited about our team.”
Photos by Joey Bahr
“I think any coach would love to have a quarterback who can throw and run,” Moody said. “Hayden is a true dual-threat QB and when you have to account for the QB in the run game it makes the offense that much more difficult to defend.”
Seniors Andrew Hildebrand, Eli Bergmeier, and junior Brayden Fulton also return on the offensive side of the ball, giving Moody some excellent pieces to reload in 2022. Wamego’s aerial assault was dangerous last season, with Oviatt throwing for 1,535 yards, and when combined with his 1,470 rushing yards for 45 total touchdowns, it makes scheming against the Red Raider offense a headache.
Oviatt received numerous FBS and FCS offers this offseason including Arkansas State, Northern Iowa, New Mexico State, KU, Colorado State, Air Force, and Army. He narrowed his list to Army, KU, and New Mexico State in June and announced on July 4th he intends to head to West Point after high school where he was recruited to play quarterback by former Kansas Wesleyan head coach Matt Drinkall, now in his fourth year as an assistant for the Black Knights. “They (Army coaching staff) offered me and are recruiting me to play quarterback,” Oviatt told GoBlackKnights of the Rivals Network, adding he was happy to have the decision made prior to the start of the season. “Senior season will be a lot less stressful now that I’ve got this off my plate and I don’t have any more visits lined up.” According to Moody, he can play QB at the highest level. “Obviously coaches see his ability and in the right system he would be a perfect fit for a lot of top tier teams,” Moody said. “The sky is the limit for him in regards to improving as a QB. If you go back and watch sophomore year film compared to now, it’s pretty incredible what he’s been able to do in a short amount of time.“ However, before Oviatt puts on a new uniform, he’s got some unfinished business in his Red Raider gear.
Underscoring his versatility, Oviatt saw his first varsity snaps at fullback as a freshman, before taking over the starting quarterback spot as a sophomore. Since then he has been a reliable source of leadership and production for Wamego, gaining 5,696 total yards to go with 69 TDs, as well as trust from his teammates. “My biggest strength as a quarterback is my dependabil ity,” Oviatt said. “My teammates and coaches can trust me to make plays and know that I won’t cower from an opponent or shy away from a hit.”
John Randle Jr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 53
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Collegiate kicks off September 2nd against Rose Hill, a team they haven’t lost to since 2011.
Randle comes from an elite football pedigree with an uncle who played in the NFL (Joseph Randle), and father that played for KU (John Randle Sr.). “Believe it or not, I was three years old (when I first played),” Randle said. “They wouldn’t really let me play as much. I didn’t get on the field til I was five because I was playing on my dad’s team. But, I’ve been playing since I was three.” Now, nearly 15 years since his first time wearing pads, Randle’s sights are less set on playing time, and instead toward much loftier goals. “Really everything, I’m working on everything,” Randle said. “Trying to get things to the college level and NFL obviously. So really I’m just working on everything from speed, jump-cutting, my vision, everything. I’m just trying to get all of it up to par.”
Other top offensive players returning for the Spartans include senior tight end Hayden Malaise, senior wide receiver Johnny Abromeit, senior offensive lineman Brett Black, and sophomore offensive lineman Tristan Sprole. On the other side of the ball, junior Brett Wetta, along with Mitchell and Phelps, return in the defensive backfield along side Fair. Senior Mason Charbonneau returns on the D-line, and Gagnon returns at linebacker after recording 60 tackles a season ago.
One of his top returners, senior All-State free safety and quarterback Wesley Fair, has an approach in line with his coaches, and is confident in where it will take them. “Our team has a goal for this summer and it is to never take a day off and become better and better everyday, so we can do what we want to do in the fall,” Fair said.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Collegiate finished 8-2 a season ago with a playoff loss to Cheney, and a Week 8 loss to powerhouse Andale, 29-6. From that talented Spartan squad, eighth-year head coach Troy Black brings back seven offensive and six defensive starters, nine of them seniors. “We need this group to understand the importance of team,” Black said. “We need everyone to buy into the team goals. We need all the seniors to understand that they can’t do it alone, that they need the underclassman to get to where we all want to go.”
The senior’s athleticism is truly exceptional, and was put on full display this past May during the KSHSAA state track meet, when, along with taking fourth in the 4x100 and long jump, he placed first in the triple jump, despite trying the event for the first time a couple months earlier. His mark of 49 feet, 3.5 inches is the 14th best in state history. “I for sure wasn’t expecting to win State,” Randle said. “Just going out there and competing and working and prac ticing every day to get better at it, that really helped me.”
Randle won’t be without some significant talent around him, starting with coach Dingle’s son, senior quarterback D.J. Dingle, who was 88 of 151 passing for 1,442 yards and 16 TDs to just three interceptions last season, and added 450 yards rushing with seven more TDs. Two of Dingle’s top targets return in Lafayette Washington (8 rec., 125 yds., 2 TDs, Sr.) and Jeremiah Yehudah (7 rec., 113 yds., 2 TDs, Jr.). On the offensive line, the Falcons return seniors Victor Ndale, Jordan Okon, and juniors Jayven Martin and Alonzo Cabral. Along with the seven offensive starters, six are back from the defense, including junior D-end/linebacker Cale Milleson (32 tackles, 4.5 TFL), senior D-back Jaydon Okoro (2 INTs, 7 PBUs), junior linebacker Nate Campbell (37 tackles, 5.5 TFLs, 1 INT), junior D-lineman Lathan McCoy, senior D-lineman Quantavis Galloway (4.5 TFLs), Yehudah at linebacker (87 tackles, 5.5 TFLs), and junior Avante Scales, who lined up at multiple positions last season. “Our team as a whole is very talented,” Dingle said. “This team has grown up together through the ups and downs. This is the most complete team that I have had at Heights High School in my five seasons. This group is ready to compete every week to win the GWAL championship, and compete for a Championship.”State
WICHITA HEIGHTS
FALCONS Wesley Fair
Fair’s top returning receiver is senior 3A 100 meter State Champ Jaden Mitchell, who caught 13 passes for 125 yards and a score. Meanwhile, the running game outside of Fair was by committee, with Mitchell adding 358 yards and four TDs, and fellow seniors Conner Gagnon with 207 yards and three TDs, Conner Jones with 187 yards and three TDs, and Carson Phelps gaining 169 yards with two scores. Despite the distribution of carries last season, Phelps is expected to see a heavier load this fall.
Fair is one of several top players from Wichita committed to play for Chris Klieman at Kansas State next season, a decision he made in April. “I chose K-State because I felt like it was the right place for me to become the best player I can be,” Fair said. “I think they have a great family.”
Last season, Fair was an all-around force on the field, rushing 170 times for 950 yards and 18 touchdowns on the ground while going 72 for 130 for 985 passing yards with eight touchdowns and three interceptions through the air. Defensively, Fair was first team All-State and recorded 37 tackles and two interceptions, and is capable of doing just about anything Black asks of him. “He is in great shape and usually doesn’t come off the defense much at all,” Black said. “If we need him to play man on one of their best kids we have him do that. He is our free safety, but we will match him up if the game plan calls for it.”
“Carson Phelps should have a monster year,” Black said. “He had a great season his sophomore year but battled injuries last year. He is in great shape and very focused.”
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer After going 5-4 in last year, Wichita Heights enters the 2022 season bumping up to 6A, but brings some serious talent to their new classification, including one of the state’s top prospects, 4-Star senior running back John Randle Jr. Randle – a 4-Star prospect according to ratings by 24/7, ESPN and Rivals – was a gamebreaker for the Falcons throughout his junior season, gaining 1,095 yards with 16 rushing TDs on 9.4 yards per carry, and added 17 recep tions for 267 yards and two more TDs. He also flourished on special teams averaging 27.3 yards per punt return and 38.33 yards per kick return. “John Randle is a very natural and instinctual player,” Heights’ coach Dominick Dingle said. “He can do a variety of things with or without the ball. He is dynamic with the ball, but his ability to affect the game without the ball is a big strength for him. We plan on being very creative in how we use him this year.”
Fair’s ability to dominate the field is unquestionable, but as a senior he will have added responsibility to his role. “He is a great athlete and he has very deceptive speed,” Black said. “He is able to see the hole and hit it and get to another gear really fast. Everyone loves Wes. He has the right demeanor to lead. He wants his teammates to be as good as him and he pushed them in a positive way. We really need his leadership this season.”
WICHITA COLLEGIATE SPARTANS
“On defense, Conner Gagnon is our leader,” Black said. “He was our leading tackler a year ago. He is a great LB and needs to be all over the field making plays.”
Randle is undecided on his college choice, but currently holds offers from K-State, KU, Utah, Oregon, and others.
Helping the highly touted prospect along his journey is Dingle, a coach with 16 years of experience, including stops as an assistant at Leavenworth and Garden City before taking over at Wichita Heights five years ago. “John has put a good amount of effort into his footwork and agility,” Dingle said. “He will be working this year to improve in simply being a student of the game by learning our offensive concepts inside and out to make him even more effective and dangerous. We will be working with him running behind his pad a little more this season and finishing runs. We also want to help him develop skills that he will continue to improve upon at the college level.”
Once he arrives in Manhattan, Fair is expected to lineup as a safety, something he feels he is particularly prepared for, even in contrast to other high school defensive backs. “I think being a high school QB puts me at an advantage compared to other safeties, as far as it helps me understand what offenses are looking for against defenses, and what QBs look for,” Fair said. “I also think being a QB in high school forces you to be a playmaker, because you always have the ball in your hands, so I think that will transfer over to the defensive side of the ball and being able to make plays.”
2021 8-MAN II STATE CHAMPIONS, 13-0 PO BOX H • AXTELL, KS 66403 Phone: (785) 736-2973 Fax: (785) 736-2356 E-mail: sbaxtell@statebankofbern.com Serving the Axtell Community Since 1890 SBS INSURANCE AGENCY Auto Home Farm Life Commercial Crop Seneca * Sabetha * Hiawatha * Onaga Bern * Axtell * Auburn, NE www.sbsins.com Photos by Everett Royer, KSportsImages.com 9/3 vs. Wheatland-Grinnell W 62-16 9/10 vs. Blue Valley-Randolph W 68-6 9/17 @ Mankato-Rock Hills W 62-14 9/24 @ Hanover W 30-24 10/1 vs. Frankfort W 54-8 10/8 @ Linn W 58-8 10/15 vs. Wetmore W 64-16 10/22 @ Onaga W 54-8 10/28 vs. Beloit St. John’s/Tipton W 48-0 11/5 @ Hanover W 52-26 11/12 @ Waverly W 62-16 11/19 @ Thunder Ridge W 46-0 11/27 vs. Wheatland-Grinnell W 44-18 marysvilleonline.net • 785-562-2317 AXTELL EAGLES 2021 RESULTS
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Axtell was a force of nature in 8-Man II last season, trounc ing every opponent on their schedule - minus a close 30-24 win over Hanover, who they would later defeat in the playoffs 52-26 - en route to a 13-0 record and a State Championship. The Eagles also had the rare distinction of having the 8-Man II Offensive Player of the Year, as well as the Coach of the Year, and to make it even more extraordinary, they were father and son, Eric and Isaac Detweiler.
www.kwu.edupages. FamilyF.O.E.OverEverything!
Isaac Detweiler
KWU: ATHLETICS & ACADEMICS
As far back as grade school, one of the most consistent weekend activities for the Detweilers has been game film. “After every game we go home and break down game film, I do that Friday night after the game,” coach Detweiler said. “A lot of times he comes home after the game and sits with me and has thoughts like ‘we should audible to this’ or ‘they changed defenses on us, we should have went to that.’”
The two share an intense passion for the sport, with football X’s and O’s essentially a second language in the house.
“We go and we watch these games, and you know I’ve already watched each game multiple times starting this winter through the summer,” coach Detweiler said. “A lot of times you go back, and even though you won that game, you could’ve done it better. Even some of our playoff games there were several plays offensively and defensively, where I thought we did things completely wrong, but got away with it because of our talent level. A lot of times we may not get that advantage, so we need to definitely work on those things.”
“We only have 14 or 15 kids on our roster and we were benefitted last year that we didn’t hardly have any injuries,” coach Detweiler said. “We need to work on depth this year, get some more kids into the game.” Given that they have already done it once, Axtell and the Detweilers have one goal in mind.
Kansas Wesleyan offers nationally ranked athletic programs, including football, but did you know that KWU’s Debate and DECA programs have also gained national exposure? KWU’s debaters have won more than 50 national championships, while the university’s DECA team – a program that focuses on business-related case studies and competition – has been among the top-15 programs nationally. Learn more about these, and other opportunities to fuel your competitive spirit, at KWU.edu.
Heather Kindall Photography
Eric HeatherDetweilerKindallPhotography
The sport of football is often a family affair, and no more so than for these coaches and players from across Kansas.
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Isaac & EricAXTELLDetweiler
With the season approaching, Axtell returns lots of talent, but having the lowest enrollment in 8-Man has its drawbacks.
“We talk about a lot of things at home where, when we get to the ballgame on the field he knows what I’m thinking, I know what he’s thinking, and we’re on the same page, ‘’ coach Detweiler said. “I like it, it definitely has its advan tages, but sometimes it’s kind of hard when you’ve got to discipline your own kid, but you can’t play unfair games with the rest of the boys. It’s just part of coaching.”
Given Isaac’s approach to the game, the dynamic works perfectly. The heady QB, now a senior, was nearly unstoppa ble last season, going 124 for 164 passing with 1,984 yards and 34 TDs to just two interceptions, with another 1,273 yards on the ground and 29 TDs on 6.2 yards per carry. “Before every game we kind of have a gameplan going in,” Isaac said. “And then after every game we put it on the TV, watch the game, talk about what we did good, what we should have done, good ... bad. I would say we talk about X’s and O’s quite a bit.” While it may sound like a lot of time spent watching film, last season it resulted in not having to review a loss. “It’s always really cool when you’re winning games, but it’s especially cool to win all 13 and a state championship,” Isaac said. “It’s a lifelong dream, and then doing that with your dad just adds the cherry on top.” But, as is true with most successful coaches, there’s always room for improvement.
“I think our team is doing a great job this summer of getting stronger,” coach Detweiler said. “We won that State Championship, but we’re hungry to go get another one. We’ve never won back-to-back and obviously that’s our goal.” F.O.E.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 55
Fathers on the sidelines with sons on the field, twin brothers with key roles on the team, and even cousins putting the family connection into action. For these families it’s more than a game. Check out their features on the next few
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By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Beloit football and track proudly boast a tradition of excel lence, and perhaps no two people in the school’s notable history exemplify the combination of success in each more so than Casey and Grady Seyfert. Casey, Grady’s father, and the current principal at Beloit High, has been a fixture at the school for years, attending as a student in the mid-90s, where he helped lead the Trojans to a football State Championship in 1996 and a State Track & Field Championship in 1997. The elder Seyfert has one of the longest shot put throws in state history at 65 feet, and went on to throw and play F.O.E.
Since Grady entered high school he has continued to impress as the years have progressed, which may come in large part from the chalk talk the two have made a staple of their fall routine. “Every game, after the game it’s either a thumbs up or a thumbs down, ‘How did I play?’ ‘How did we play?,’” coach Seyfert said. “So that’s on the field, depending on how it went, if it wasn’t the best game night ever we wait til usually Saturday afternoon, Saturday evening. But we always go through it before we get through Monday. I want to talk to
Mitch & Derick Budke CHASE COUNTY
“After every game the kids spend a little time in the ice tub, and about the time we get out of the ice tub I try to be done talking about the game,” Derick said. “They go do whatever the kids do after games. I like to cut up a little film that evening. Really, it’s probably Sunday evening when I start to talk about ‘Hey this what we’ll need to do this next week.’”
Derick said. “We return everybody but one guard, we have another kid that was a reserve player that graduated, but really the core athletes have returned from a season ago. Those guys were just third in the 4x1, there’s a good group of athletes there. We should expect to play well and have some success.”
Mitch Budke
Grady & Casey Seyfert BELOIT
Heather Kindall Kindall
One of the many students Seyfert helps to educate at the school is his son, Grady, who is in the midst of forging his own BHS sports legacy, with four appearances on the po dium at Cessna, including two silver medals this past May, and multiple football seasons as a key member on teams that made deep playoff runs, with last fall resulting in a 2A runner-up finish and a nod from Sports in Kansas as 2A Defensive POY after recording 71 tackles with 25 for loss. While their success has come in similar arenas, Casey, an assistant on the football staff, and the throwing coach in track, sees some differences as well. “I was a bit more of a wild man,” coach Seyfert said. “He’s much more detail-oriented and focused. “He’s so detail oriented,” coach Seyfert said, “sometimes I tell him to just have fun a little bit, and he’s a perfectionist by nature, so he’s always looking to be perfect and I’m like ‘pretty good, is pretty good’. But it’s fun just to watch him go out and throw and have a good time in two things I really love, football and track.” For Grady, the open-access to pick his dad’s brain has been an asset. “Its great, he’s always there if I have any questions or anything,” Grady said. “Having him there, and being able to go to talk to him whenever, it helps alot. Knowledge has been a huge aspect. We always go over film together, and him having that more personal input, and being able to point stuff out, he knows what he’s looking at, and looking for, and he’s able to help me understand what I need to do.” The two have stuck together as a tandem since long before Grady entered high school.
“It should be another good year for us in ‘The County,’”
Photography Heather
Photography continued on page 58
“Back in flag football (is when I started coaching him),” the elder Seyfert said. “Flag football doesn’t have a lot of use for linemen, the fast kids win. So that’s what we did, and when we had our little youth tackle team I actually coached highCaseyschool.”didn’t let his established position on the football staff get away from a lifelong goal, however. “Then I actually took a few years off to coach him,” Seyfert said. “And then there happened to be an opening, so I got back in probably when he was in junior high. So, it’s been fantastic for me, truly, if there is something as a dad I wanted to do it would be to coach my kid, and I’ve gotten to do that at all levels, including high school.”
And while Mitch did point out some of the difficulties in having a coach as a father, noting “you get to hear about everything for sure when you mess up,” the two have a strong relationship centered around competition, much like Derick has with his two sons, Cael, a 2020 Chase County graduate and four-year starter at linebacker, and sopho more Luke, a football player and standout wrestler.
Derick, Mitch’s dad, as well as a physics teacher and the coach of multiple sports at Chase County, is an assistant on Vandegrift’s staff, while Mitch, now a senior, is an All-State QB and linebacker. Offensively, the younger Budke ran for 1,975 yards on 10 yards per carry with no fumbles, and went 26 of 46 passing for 579 yards and nine TDs to two INTs. Defensively, he recorded 137 tackles and two INTs.
Casey Seyfert
“I think the best part of coaching your kids, and I have three boys so I’ve had a chance to coach all of them, the relationship you develop at home and the work ethic you develop there, you get to watch your kids model that on the football field,” Derick said. “For me, it’s one of those things where it’s a great opportunity to see your kids work the way you want all your kids to work, and behave the way you want all of your kids to behave. It’s a great thing when it works out.”
The two have are a dynamic duo, with Mitch competing in baseball, track, and wrestling, along with his time on the gridiron, and Derick right next to him much of the way. “We’ve played everything,” Derick said. “He wrestled since he was about five years old,. We’ve always played baseball. I was his Under-10 coach, so we played baseball. He’s ran track all the way through junior high and high school. We golf in the summer. If there is an opportunity to play, we’re playing.” In fact, Mitch’s Twitter profile shows the two playing a game of cornhole together, and he credits much of his knowledge of sports back to time spent around his father. “It definitely helps being around it my whole life basically,” Budke said. “Going to football practice after school, hanging out picking up some of the things they do. So yeah, it helped quite a bit.”
Derick Budke
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 57
football for Fort Hays State University, where he is now enshrined in the FHSU Sports Hall of Fame. After finishing up college, Seyfert spent time as a teacher and coach in Hays before making his way back to Beloit High, where he quickly established himself as a vital part of the school and community. “I always tell the kids, ‘If you cut me open it’s going to be black and orange,’” Seyfert said. “To me, I loved the community and the school and everything about Beloit, so for my children to get to go through the same school and for me to be able to coach my son is on my bucket list, I get to check off that box.”
A Chase County graduate, Derick played college football at Emporia State before returning to his high school to launch his coaching career in 1994 as a junior high track assistant. He began coaching football and wrestling in 1996. In 1997, he took over as the head wrestling coach, a position he still holds today, and he also served as the team’s head football coach from 2008 to 2015, before moving back to an assistant role. He has earned numerous honors for his work as a coach and has also coached track at different times since 1997.
Grady Seyfert
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Chase County returns a strong roster from last season, and the Bulldogs are expected to be spearheaded by Mitch’s dual-threat ability. With good health and a couple of breaks going their way, the Budke’s and their fellow Bulldogs believe they have everything it takes for another big season.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Chase County finished their 2022 season with an 8-2 mark after advancing to the second round of the playoffs, the Bulldogs’ second straight eight-win season in the program’s four years in 8-Man I. Head coach Brody Vandegrift has had numerous players and coaches pitch into the success, none more so than the father/son duo of Derick and Mitch Budke.
With fall approaching, the Budke’s are tuning up for football, and once in season, the fine-tuning continues each week, but not before some rest and recuperation.
Heather Kindall Photography
team, the Brunks, along with a strong group of upper classmen, should keep Inman among 1A’s best this fall.
“State game is where we want to go,” Eli said while reflect ing on last year’s experience. “It was awesome! It was really awesome – and we didn’t get the job done obviously – but yeah, just like getting to go to this first state game in Inman history for football was really cool. We had the whole town supporting us there. The moment was awesome for sure.”
receiver Tanner Heckel moving to QB in place of four-year starter and Shrine Bowler Jace Doerksen, for example – the Brunks provide stability on both offense and defense.
“I think that’s something that holds a lot is chemistry, because when you grow up with all these kids, and you know each other, you know, like their tendencies, and how they’re going to do certain things,” Harrison said, “it helps you a Bothlot.”cousins have a singular goal in mind for this season.
Keenan & Joe MANHATTANSchartz
From Keenan’s perspective, it’s gone very well. “It’s a huge advantage for us as high school athletes,” Keenan said. “You know, having him in the weight room every day, and he knows me better than anybody else. I mean, as his son, I’m going through the same stuff that he’s gone through in high school.”
While the Teutons will see some changes – All-State
“As a kid, my dad has always been around the Manhattan High School football program and, you know, he would always say, ‘Hey, Keenan, come out to camp, come out to this, come out to that’”, Keenan said. “So I’ve always been kind of watching from the sidelines, learning from all the previous alumni of Manhattan High School and, you know, messing around, throwing, throwing the big high school balls around, and so now that it’s time for me to be in high school, I’ve been there longer than my four years.” Keenan isn’t just a standout on the football field. He plays guard on the basketball team, moves between the infield and outfield for the 6A state runner-up baseball team, and also maintains a 4.09 GPA in the classroom.
“Football’s obviously important to me being the head coach,” Schartz said. “But we’ve always encouraged him to compete in other sports. He’s a three sport athlete and he’s in football, basketball, and baseball. As a parent we get those kids involved in those types of activities just so that they can develop and I want him to be coached by other people.”Manhattan football is looking for another big season with the father and son combo working in unison, along with eight defensive and five key offensive starters returning from last season. The tandem won’t have any easy road, though.“Ourschedule looks a lot different than it has in the past, coach Schartz said. “And so it will open up with Derby and we finish with Wichita Northwest, there’s a trip to Hays sandwiched in there as well. So, it’s gonna be different, a lot different, but I expect our kids to come out and compete.” him because when we break down as a team, and he can tell you this also, I’m probably his biggest critic and biggest supporter.”Enteringthe 2022 season, Beloit returns eight offensive and five defensive starters for sixth-year head coach Brad Gober.“Ithink we have a lot of pieces back and the leadership will be huge,” coach Seyfert said. “The seniors that graduated had been leaders for a couple years. We’re going to see how our seniors this year, and our underclassmen, react to stepping up and being looked upon to take us where we want to go.” As an All-State lineman entering his senior season, Grady will be counted on for that leadership. “We had a great group of leaders in our senior class this last year, so as a senior I’m definitely trying to step up and fill big shoes, and so are my other classmates,” Grady said. After a 9-4 season that saw the Trojans advance all the way to the championship game before losing to current 2A powerhouse Rossville, the Orange and Black seem intent on making their final game of the year a W in 2022. “I think we have some key kids back, obviously we have some big losses, but at the same time every team loses seniors,” coach Seyfert said. “So I feel very confident, we went to the semifinals two years ago and we were in the finals last year, so we want to end on a win.” Like father, like son. “We got pretty far last year and we’re hoping to continue that trend and get that last game to be a win,” Grady said.
Harrison Brunk
As a junior, the younger Schartz was 57 for 91 passing with 743 yards and eight touchdowns through the air, with another 926 yards rushing and eight scores on 106 carries. With football being so tightly intertwined in their family, Joe tries to walk a delicate line between the intensity of football, and the importance of remembering their relationship as father and son. Something he has seen before. “I just have listened to my dad and it’s a tough situation, it really is,” coach Schartz said. “I’ve been trying to do it the right way and still let him be his own person, but at the same time, he’s constantly getting coached. He just can’t get away from me. So, it’s a delicate situation, but it’s one that I think that we’ve managed to navigate pretty well.”
Despite the losses to graduation, both cousins see big things on the horizon for the Teutons.
“One of the best outside linebackers in 1A,” head coach Lance Sawyer said of Eli. “Excellent at coverage, but even better getting after the QB.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 58 F.O.E.
“Harrison is the fastest athlete we have in the school,” Sawyer said. “Our goal will be to get him as many touches as we can in different positions. He is extremely smart and will step in at DB.”
For the two cousins, it is likely to be the last go-around as teammates on the football field. “Harrison and I have been in the same class since pre school,” Eli said. “So we grew up at recess, always playing football every day outside, and we’ve grown up just playing catch throughout the years. Anytime we find time in the summer, we’re playing football after weights. So, you know, we’ve just always had a connection. We’ve always played with the same guys up throughout the years. So I feel like we’ve all just kind of have a family connection, almost to where you just want to win for each other.”
Eli Brunk Seyferts from page 57
Meanwhile, Harrison totaled 28 receptions for 661 yards and eight TDs at receiver, earning All-District and All-State honors. In May, Harrison showed off his speed by winning the 1A 200 meter State Title, taking third in the 100, and second as part of the 400 and 1600 meter relays. He also holds the school records in the 100 (10.74) and 200 (22.07).
/ continued
Keenan Schartz Joe Schartz
Heather Kindall Photography
The bond built then continues to help the group today.
Although the Teutons lost considerable talent from that F.O.E.
“I think we have a lot of guys, young guys, who will step up this year,” Harrison said. “I mean, they’ve been training hard waiting for that these last few years.”
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Cousins Eli and Harrison Brunk and their Inman team mates came just one win short of a State Title against Olpe last November after dominating their regular season and rolling into the championship game with 11 wins.
The family moved to Manhattan when he was just 20 days old and subsequently, Keenan, has spent many of his days at Bishop Stadium.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Manhattan head coach Joe Schartz has posted a 107-29 record over the last 13 seasons, making it as far as SubState in 2018 before they being knocked out by eventual 6A Champs Derby. In his most recent campaign the Indians posted a 9-2 record with a Week 6 loss to Washburn Rural, 21-14, and a quarterfinal loss to Lawrence, 41-22. The veteran coach is far from the first in his family to make a career out of the sport, however. Joe’s grandfather, John F. Schartz Sr., played football and graduated from Emporia State Teachers College before moving on to a long teaching and coaching career, with a majority of that time spent at St. Mary of the Plains High School and College in Dodge City, where he started the school’s athletics program and eventually coached his son, John F. Schartz Jr., who graduated from St. Mary of the Plains in 1956 before signing to play football at KU. While St. Mary of the Plains eventually shuttered its doors largely due to depopulation in the western part of the state, their impact on football in Kansas remains, and today Joe Schartz is passing his passion and knowledge on to another Schartz, his son, senior Manhattan High QB Keenan. “It’s a privilege, it’s an honor,” coach Schartz said. “I come from a family of educators. My grandpa coached my dad way back in the day in high school. So, you know, just to carry on that tradition and get the opportunity to coach my son is very special.”
As a tight end, Eli caught 18 passes for 429 yards and five TDs, earning him All-District honors. On defense he earned All-District at linebacker after recording 54 tackles, four sacks, and 16 tackles for loss for a team that allowed just three points through the first seven games.
Harrison & Eli Brunk INMAN
“On offense, I’m going to work on my releases and getting off the ball and working on my routes, getting open and stuff,” Joshua said. “For defense, I need to work on my backpedaling and, like, just my hand-eye coordination.”
The Eagles finished 8-3 last season before getting knocked out in Sectionals by eventual state champs Blue Valley Northwest and graduate significant talent and expe rience from that squad, but the Parrish brothers plan to do their part to fill some of those holes.
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Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 59
Regardless of experience, the standard at Olathe North is putting a winning product on the field and the Parrish brothers, and their teammates, are determined to post the sixth straight winning season for the Eagles under head coach Chris McCartney.
“Our defense is really involved this summer and we just keep talking,” Jason said. “We have good chemistry, so I feel like we’re going to be good.”
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer
Both younger Parrish brothers made big impacts defen sively last fall, with Jason recording 34 tackles, two tackles for loss, two interceptions, five pass deflections, and a forced fumbles, and Joshua accounting for 33 tackles, a tackle for a loss, an interception, three pass deflections, and two fumble recoveries. Joshua was also used often offensively and as a returner, catching 12 passes for 256 yards and three TDs, along with averaging 34.2 yards on kickoff returns with one TD. “For me, I’m trying to improve my cornerback skills, trying to improve not looking back at the quarterback and reading the Y receiver’s hips,” Jason said. “So I just gotta keep watching film and keep listening to my coaches.”
This past May, Olathe North captured a 6A State Track & Field Title with 112 points. Even more impressive, their total was exactly double Shawnee Mission East’s second place mark of 56, and three brothers from Olathe North, Jacob, Joshua, and Jason Parrish, scored 67 points between just the three of them. Jacob, a senior now at Kansas State for football, took gold in the 100, 200, and 400 meter dashes, and a silver in the 4x100 relay along with Joshua, who also took first in the 110 hurdles, first in the long jump, and second in the 300 hurdles, while Jason took first in the 300 hurdles, third in the 4x400 and eighth in the 110 hurdles. “It was amazing, all three of us came in expecting to win all our events and we came out pushing hard and running,”
Joshua said. With Jacob off to Kansas State, seniors Joshua and Jacob return for another shot at bringing Olathe North gold on the track, but before spring comes fall, and pads. “It was a great feeling,” Jason said. “Seeing my brothers and I win, but we knew two days after we had to push hard for this football season.”
The Eagles graduated a big senior class, including five the six All-State selections, but with two of the three Parrish brothers back an explosive core is still intact.
“I feel good about it, we are already looking good,” Joshua said. “We are focused and we are practicing hard and the weight room’s going to help us see what we can do on the field.”
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Yanci Spiller
Heather Kindall Photography
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 61
It’s safe to say Rock Creek is poised for another strong showing in this fall, but will be tested immediately.
F.O.E.
During the height of the Bill Snyder era in the 1990s, cur rent Rock Creek defensive coordinator Monte Spiller was a three-year letterman at safety for the Wildcats and a part of four bowl appearances. After wrapping up college, he went on to play for a number of arena and indoor football leagues and coached at several schools in northwest Kansas including Russell, Hays, and Fort Hays State, where he was the cornerbacks coach between 2009 and 2011. A move to the Manhattan area a little over 10 years ago led him to Rock Creek and an opportunity to serve as DC for the Mustangs, where Spiller is also getting the chance to coach his two sons. His youngest, Ezra, is entering his freshman year, and is already close to 6-feet tall. His oldest, Yanci, is a two-way standout for the Mustangs entering his senior season. “I’ve been fortunate enough to be able to coach both my sons since second grade, if not sooner, from flag football all the way up to tackle,” coach Spiller said. “And, it’s just an opportunity that has been afforded to me and there’s ups and downs. There are some interesting car rides home after practices and after games, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.”Those ‘interesting car rides’ don’t deter Yanci. The senior wide receiver and safety has a passion for the sport, and looks at his dad’s knowledge as an asset. “It’s a challenge sometimes, but you know, it’s fun,” Yanci said. “I get to have him there to just ask questions all the time. I don’t have to feel obligated to ask anything, I just always got him there. He is always there for me, you know, even though he gets on me sometimes, it’s helpful.”
Although Jake wasn’t able to make an impact as a junior on the field, his time spent around the game still allowed him to be useful.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer
Sasse, now a senior, rushed for 821 yards and eight touchdowns as a sophomore, and added 79 tackles, a sack, and two interceptions from his linebacker position.
Heather Kindall Photography
“We open up on the road at Southeast of Saline, which is a quality team, and we know we’re gonna have our hands full,” coach Spiller said. “So you gotta work hard to prepare for it because every game is gonna be a challenge, espe cially game one. But I’m excited about the opportunity. We have smart kids who understand what we’re doing. They understand the work ethic and nobody’s selfish. That’s the biggest part about it. We have a bunch of unselfish kids that wanna work for each other and have a common goal. So, that’s it for me as a coach. That’s what you love.”
Being a senior in the program, as well as the son of a two-time State Championship winning coach, Jake makes a point to put in the extra work in his spare time, oftentimes in the form of the weight room or the film room. “He’s a great film watcher and so often when I’ll ask him ‘What are you doing?’ he’s watching film,” coach Sasse said. “So he does so much of that on his own. Again, I think he just grew up knowing that’s part of what you need to do.”
Monte & Yanci Spiller ROCK CREEK
“He’s been around the program since fifth grade, so it’s almost like having another coach on staff,” the older Sasse said. “Defensively, he was working with linebackers and coach Hutch (defensive coordinator Brock Hutchinson) and giving me ideas offensively.”
The Redmen return seven offensive starters along with Jake, including senior offensive linemen Cauy Haresnape and Jake’s cousin Kaid Sasse, senior running back Bentley Mongomery, junior running back Luke Franklin, junior tight end Jason Desbien, and split end Tarek Koelsch, who may move to Defensively,quarterback.eightstarters return including both Sasses, juniors Eli and Luke Franklin at linebacker, Montgomery, Koelsch, and Desbien at defensive back, and Haresnape on the line. The Redmen are one of the most consistently successful football teams in Kansas dating back to the hire of Roger Barta in the late 1970s. His coaching tree has produced a number of successful coaches. For coach Sasse, the oppor tunity to be in a community with so much football passion and talent is hard to beat, and having a son in the midst of it with him only makes it better. “It’s been great. I worked with coach Barta when he was there for a lot of years and you know, I have great assis tants and community support,” coach Sasse said. “Getting to coach him has been fun. I don’t coach his position, so we don’t have a lot of on the field stuff. It’s been good that when we head home at night we kind of leave all that behind, and it’s been good that way.”
“Just being able to learn the plays and defensive calls over the years has been able to help me step into this leadership spot, being able to know what kind of play he wants to run, being able to know what he’s thinking during specific times with spending so much time with him from fifth grade to now,” Jake said. “Just being able to look at him and ‘yeah he’s wanting to run this certain play because it’s this certain down.’ It’s definitely fun for sure.”
The younger Sasse also played a key role in Smith Center’s State Runner-up season as a freshman in 2019. “There’s definitely a chip on my shoulder coming from that injury and just watching all the games that I thought I could have changed a little bit, or maybe changed the outcome, or maybe not,” Jake said. “We have great people that stepped up into the positions that needed to be stepped up in. We had lots of people; sophomores, juniors, even a couple seniors, freshman. It’s just a great team and great family there, being able to step up into that position. But, I’m ready to come back and I think I’m going to come back stronger.”
Darren Sasse
Jake Sasse
F.O.E. Jake & Darren Sasse SMITH CENTER
For Jake, his efforts have given him a unique level of awareness on the field, leaving him frequently able to predict his father’s next move.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Following a legend is tough, but so far, for Smith Center head coach Darren Sasse, succeeding Roger Barta has gone just about as well as anyone could ask. The coach won back-to-back state titles in 2017 and 2018 and has a 86-19 record over the last decade. Last season was another quality addition to the Redmen football tradition, starting the season 7-1 with their lone loss to eventual State Runner-up Inman in Week 8, before ending the year with a heartbreaking 49-48 quarterfinal loss to Sedgwick in a miraculous comeback led by Cardinal QB Lance Hoffsommer. Smith Center finished the year 9-2. Despite the excellent season, the Redmen were without one of their top playmakers throughout, with starting full back and linebacker Jake Sasse – Darren’s son – missing the entire year with a broken foot. “It was definitely a struggle for awhile, being on crutches for so long and not being able to do anything, especially with breaking it the first full padded practice my junior year,” Jake said. “Just being able to come back and be in full pads again is just a blessing for sure.”
In addition to his father, Yanci’s biggest inspiration at safe ty comes from players like Jamal Adams, Ed Reed, and the late Sean Taylor. The younger Spiller currently holds offers from Emporia State and Washburn to play safety. “You know, at receiver, I’m working there every so often with a (7-on-7) team, but my main focus is safety,” Yanci said. “So I’ll just be working on that as much as possible, and speed work. It’s just everything, every part of being an athlete.”Asthe season progresses, the electric Mustang offense is likely to get mentioned a lot, and with the talent coming back it’s well-deserved, but coach Spiller also feels good about the defense RCHS will field this fall as well. “I’m going to give credit to coach Sieben as well, he does a lot with the defense,” coach Spiller said. “Although I have the title of defense coordinator, he, myself, and coach Bramhall, we work closely together every day. One of us is saying, ‘Hey, what about this? What about this?’ And I’m like, ‘Hey, that’s a great idea!’ But defense, we’re expecting to be a good group again. We know we can’t count on last year’s team. It’s a new team. We have a few guys that’s plugging holes here and there, and I try to remind them, ‘Hey, it’s a new year. The teams you play are working just as hard as you are. You gotta be ready.’”
Monte Spiller
Last fall, Yanci earned All-State recognition for his play at D-back after recording 87 tackles, an interception, and three tackles for loss. On the offensive side he reeled in 50 recep tions for 531 yards and nine TDs from the state’s leading passer, Dalton Whitworth (203-337, 2,894 yds., 38 TDs). Whitworth returns for his senior season this fall, and Yanci is one of three receivers coming back with 30 or more re ceptions along with All-State senior Ethan Burgess (61 rec., 1,030 yds., 11 TDs) and junior All-State receiver Daegan Vinduska (30 rec., 673 yds., 11 TDs). Rock Creek finished last season 7-4, losing to eventual State Runner-up Frontenac in the 3A quarterfinals. Mustang head coach Shane Sieben welcomes back 10 starters on offense and nine on defense, including Spiller’s classmate and fellow All-State defensive back Maddox Ibarra.
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“I have a good outlook on this season, obviously the last two years we’ve graduated awfully good classes,” coach Gebhardt said. “We’ve got some big shoes to fill with the kids that have graduated. I think we have the guys there to replace them, but we’re going to look a little different than we did the last couple years and I’m excited to see where the season goes.” For the twins, this is one last ride they won’t forget. “It’s really cool, I got to play with Jaxson, my older brother, and Jake is so much fun. I don’t really know how to describe it for someone until you get to do it, it’s really enjoyable.”
If SES can rebuild the offensive and defensive lines, the drop to 2A, and the experienced skill players could help the purple and gray deliver a banner season, though teams like Beloit, Kingman, Rossville, and Nemaha Central will likely have something to say about it. The Trojans won their last and only state title in 2005 under head coach Pat Haxton.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 63 Text “Start My Quit” to 855-891-9989. Free, confidential help. Just for teens. LUNGS BURNING? IS IT YOUR VAPE? WWW.MYLIFEMYQUIT.COM WWW.CKFADDICTIONTREATMENT.ORG Proud to support area schools! www.agritrails.com F.O.E. Luke, Mitch, & Jake Gebhardt SOUTHEAST OF SALINE
Murray, senior slot back and second team all-league line backer Landon Allen, senior guard Mac Chambers, junior safety Daniel Kejr, and linebackers including seniors Caden Isaacson, Jase VanAmberg, and junior Luke Obermeyer all return as the Trojans embark on the 2022 season.
“Everyone is trying to get bigger, get faster, and get stronger,” Jake said. “I feel like the whole team is doing that, everyone’s trying to contribute this year and become a better team and getting over that hump and do something special this year. We’re all just trying to ‘get there’, and I think we’re all ready for it.”
Jake, on the other hand, is Luke’s top target in the passing game, catching 38 passes for 596 yards and six TDs as a junior and earning first team all-league honors at receiver. Also lining up at defensive back alongside his brother, Jake recorded 24 tackles, an interception and two fumble recoveries, earning him second team all-league honors.
The Gebhardt family has long been a bit obsessed with football, making it a staple pastime for all four sons, including freshman Grady, wherever they went. “They’ve been playing football together since they were little with our oldest son Jaxson and Grady also, out in the front yard,” coach Gebhardt said. “We have multiple pictures of them when they were small playing catch with the football and playing tackle football in the front yard. Everywhere we went, it didn’t make a difference what we were doing, we had a football in the car or van, whatever it was we were taking. Most of the time, whether we were on vacation or any other thing, they were playing catch with a football, or playing football somewhere.”Despitethe family’s passion for football, the head coach and his sons try to keep a divide between life at home and the football field. “I feel like as a family, our family is so involved with foot ball, we do a good job of ‘football practice is different from what we do at home,’” Gebhardt said. “I feel like, or I hope, for the most part, I treat these guys the same as I do any other player. It’s obviously neat, games and practices, to have your sons on the football team. We really try to separate what we’re do ing at home and what goes on on the football field.”
“Because we’ve been together for so long and played every sport together, we just know what we’re doing, where we’re going to be at,” Jake said. “We know every skill as pect to each other’s game. I know where he’s going to put the ball on me every time because I know he’s going to hit that spot, so it’s just really good for us as a team and as players to have that connection.” That connection goes both ways, with Jake being a bit of a ‘get out of jail free’ card when Luke finds himself under duress.
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Entering his 13th year as the Southeast of Saline head football coach, Mitch Gebhardt has already put together an excellent career, compiling an 82-37 record and making the playoffs in all but three seasons - two of them in the first three years on the job. Most recently, the Trojans ended their season with an 11-1 record and a trip to the semifinals before finally losing to state powerhouse Andale, 37-16. The Indians would go on to beat Frontenac in the 3A final, 51-0.
As for their dad, he hasn’t let this unique time in his life pass without reflection either. “It’s been good for our family to have our boys go through it, and again, we try to separate that quite a bit,” coach Gebhardt said. “But there were a lot of times where I look out there, especially after games, where I think ‘well that’s really cool’ and I get to be a bigger part of it than a lot get to be.”
Gebhardt gets back seven offensive and five defensive starters, and in particular gets one more time around to coach two of his top players, his twin sons, Luke and Jake. Luke, an All-State quarterback and defensive back, is among the best two-way players in Kansas.
After starting off his career as a backup QB to older broth er, and now Dodge City Community College wide receiver, Jaxson Gebhardt, Luke quickly established himself as one of the best passers in the state, going 162 for 231 for 2,389 yards, with 31 touchdowns to five interceptions, along with 569 rushing yards and 11 TDs on 100 carries. On the defensive side of the ball Luke received second team all-league honors as a sophomore defensive back, before upgrading to first team all-league and All-State after recording 33 tackles, two tackles for loss, an interception, and a fumble recovery last fall as a junior.
While that approach for the Gebhardt family makes sense, they’re likely to have a lot of good to talk about in regards to the Southeast program, even with the loss of a talented 2021 senior class.Senior second team all-league receiver and defensive back Michael
Luke Gebhardt
Jake Gebhardt Heather Kindall Photography Mitch Gebhardt
“As a quarterback, it’s always nice to have a good relationship with a receiver and I have a really good one with Jake because he’s my brother,” Luke said. “A play will go crazy and I know where Jake is because I’ve played so much football with him.”
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According to the brothers, the team saw a good turnout for summer conditioning, with about 20 student-athletes showing up consistently. With their deep group of returning starters led by the Bice brothers, and featuring seniors Kaleb Wagenblast (15 rec., 216 yds., 3 sacks), Jace Randall (20 rec., 373 yds.), and Brian Shaw (6-2, 300, OL), and juniors Josh Ferguson (94 tkls., 2 INTs), and Mason Baker, the Longhorns have the tools to accomplish their head coach’s goals for the season, “Win our district, make the playoffs, and hopefully play in a State Championship.” Cooper Jermark ST. JOHN’S CATHOLIC
Cooper said. “He’s just right there to help us any time we need it.”
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer For Geoff Jermark, the upcoming season holds a unique opportunity. During the last two seasons coached his two sons in his role as an assistant coach at St. John’s Catholic in Beloit, the class of 2023’s Cooper, and 2024’s Chance, but three is the magic number. “Its very nice,” coach Jermark said. “In fact, I have a freshman coming up too, so I’ll have all three of them on theJoiningsquad.”Cooper and Chance this fall is Carter, the fourth of four sons for Geoff, the Blujays’ defensive coordinator and a 1993 St. John’s graduate. Jermark’s eldest son, Matt, graduated from Beloit High in 2011. One thing all the Jermarks seem to share is an appreci ation of sports, particularly football, something Geoff has nurtured for years. “I’ve coached the Bucs team, their youth team from years before,” coach Jermark said. “And then head junior high coach, plus high school, and I also coach golf.”
“The core of our team has been the seniors this year for the last three years, and they’re all coming back,” coach Jermark said. “The juniors, they started getting a lot of playing time last year as starters. I’m very optimistic this year, very. We’ve got a good team coming up.”
While Carter is just getting his high school career going, Chance is coming off a solid sophomore season defensively after notching 76 tackles, six tackles for loss, and a half sack. Much of the incoming junior’s time off the gridiron is spent watching another game somewhere else. “I watch almost every football game I can find,” Chance said.Meanwhile, Cooper has established himself as an All-State linebacker, and a hard-nosed offensive lineman, though may see more time in the offensive backfield this fall. Through three seasons he’s recorded 301 tackles, with 158 during his junior campaign, along with 12 tackles for loss, six hurries, two sacks, three interceptions, two fumble recoveries, and two forced fumbles. For the senior tackling machine, dad is a great source of feedback on his game. “It’s nice because he gets to talk to us at home about what to do for upcoming games and what we can improve on,”
According to Geoff, success could lie ahead.
F.O.E. Chance, Geoff, &
“Tackle each other a little bit.”
“I feel like that happens a lot, definitely,” Dylan said. “Trust is in there. Like, I trust him with the ball more than anybody else probably would.”
The older brothers can both expect to see an increase in their leadership role in 2022, with Cooper pointing out his goal to “make people want to be their best” this offseason.
The Bices, and their fellow seniors, rose through the class ranks with head coach Joel Struckhoff, who is 30-11 in his five years at Thunder Ridge, and he’ll look to the class of 2023 to try and lead the Longhorns one step further this season.“What really brought us up was older classmen,” Dalton said. “They were getting us in the weight room. So we’d like to carry that on for the team.”
The years together have given the Bices a strong sense and appreciation of each other on the field, oftentimes with non-verbal communication.
With the fall fast approaching, coach Jermark gets one season with three of his sons on the roster, and perhaps one last chance to have them all following his commands
“It’s been satisfying more than anything, Jermark said. “They still don’t listen. On the field they listen, it’s just not anywhere else.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 65
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer Thunder Ridge rolled through their first 10 games last season with relative ease – and a forfeit by Southern Cloud – with a 44-34 win over Osborne as their only game that resembled something close. It wasn’t until the state semifinals that they were finally defeated by the buzzsaw that was Axtell, who went on to win the 8-Man II title in dominant fashion. From that team, seven starters return for the Longhorns, including senior brothers Dalton and Dylan Bice. Serving as the team’s quarterback, Dylan was 61 of 81 passing for 1,042 yards and nine touchdowns to two inter ceptions, adding 122 carries for 1,459 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns. At defensive back he recorded 103 tackles, a tackle for a loss, an interception, 17 pass deflections, and a forced fumble. As a sophomore in 2020 he recorded five picks in just nine games. Dylan was first team all-state at defensive back and honor able mention at quarterback. Dalton, meanwhile, lined up at running back, where he rushed for 622 yards and 11 TDs on 87 carries, and added another 141 yards and two scores on 14 receptions. As a defensive end, he recorded 95 tackles, 16 tackles for a loss, four sacks, nine hurries, two pass deflections, a fumble recovery, a forced fumble, and a blocked punt. Through his first three years on defense he has recorded 314 tackles total.The two have played organized football since sixth grade. Before that, there was football, just less structure. “We’d just go out and throw the ball around,” Dalton said.
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For coach Dingle, preparation for opponents is already fully“Oneunderway.ofthethings over the last few years is that we played a lot of young guys and we’ll probably have 18 to 22 seniors that we feel really good about that have got valuable big game experience and we’re just really excited,” the elder Dingle said. “Hoping to take one game at a time. We travel out to Garden City, which is going to be a tough atmosphere for our Week 1, and then follow it with a road game against Wichita Northwest as well. Those are the two matchups we’re really preparing for because it’s two differ ent schematics offensively and defensively by both teams. So we’re diving into (our preparation), and we’re going to take one day, one rep, one practice at a time and try to get better each day.”
Jay Harris
Dominick Dingle DJ Dingle Heather Kindall Photography
DJ has used his time on the field through those many falls tactically, while not losing sight of the unique experience of having a dad as his coach. “It’s fun, I enjoy having him out there every day,” DJ said. “It’s fun having him at home and on the field, just seeing him every day. It’s a great opportunity to have him in the other room instead of having to text message him, I can just go to him and ask him a question whenever.”
“I feel good about the upcoming season,” DJ said earlier this summer. “We have team camp in a couple weeks, I’m just trying to get them prepared so we can have a deep playoff run this year.”
One constant for Harris his three seasons leading the Monarchs is the impact his of All-State quarterback and defensive back Kade, who also happens to be his son. Harris started at both quarterback and defensive back throughout his first three years of high school and has served a vital source of production at both positions, with 1,317 total yards, 16 total touchdowns, and 69 tackles as a freshman, 2,072 yards, 25 TDs, and 98 tackles as a sophomore, as well as 1,805 yards, 17 TDs, and 100 tackles as a junior.
Dominick & D.J. Dingle WICHITA HEIGHTS By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer
“Hitting the weight room is definitely a big factor and just focusing on little things like footwork and seeing the field as well, just picking out little details.”
Sports are unsurprisingly among DJ’s top priorities, and while he admits football is his favorite, he is also member of the 6A State Championship Heights basketball team, and took third in 6A 110-meter hurdles at state track last May. Despite DJ’s obvious ability, his father has always allowed him to blaze his own path in terms of athletics. “It’s been one of those things that I’ve let him create his own narrative and it’s just really worked out,” coach Dingle said. “I’ve been really hands off. As a freshman he was ac tually our best quarterback, but I erred on the side of ‘dad’ in our program, and I didn’t start him as a freshman. But he’s been a starter every game from his sophomore year on.”
Whether or not the Falcons play late into November this season, the father and son get at least one unique take away from this season. “A lot of people probably dream about going to work with their son, or with their child,” coach Dingle said. “And just being able to coach ball with my son is an enjoyable experience.”
improved and getting into the weight room and to where he’s at now. He knows where everybody is supposed to be on the field. He’s the guy you want that knows every play, knows every assignment and just has everybody in mind. He’s also a good leader as far as keeping the team motivated as well.”
Heights football finished last season 5-4 – the second straight five win season – with all four losses coming to quality opponents that combined for a 31-12 record.
Kade & Jay Harris THOMAS MORE PREP-MARIAN
F.O.E.
Kade Harris
Heather Kindall Photography
Kade credits those leadership traits back to his dad. “I think (growing up with dad as a coach) affected me greatly,” Kade said. “Because just getting that discipline, and also motivation, to have that view of the field, and just help me overall in life as well.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 67 F.O.E.
While it seems like an obvious decision now, the younger Harris was not initially slated in at QB. “It’s something that just happened,” coach Harris said. “I spent a lot of years coaching when neither one of my boys were playing, so it’s just fun when they finally get to work up where you get to coach them. He came in as a freshman and was not going to be a quarterback and things happened, he moved into that role, and he’s done a good job with it.” For Kade, who was thrust into the role back in 2019, a lot has changed the past four years. “I’m not as nervous as I was coming in as a freshman playing quarterback,” Kade said. “Now it’s just kind of a normal thing for me, and just being relaxed and seeing how the game flows.”
“Just business as usual,” coach Harris said. “We’ve got some seniors that we have to replace from last year, that’s going to be tough for this year. It’s always hard to replace seniors as they leave and getting the underclassmen to step into those roles and just be ready to do what we need them to do. The biggest thing is consistency. The senior group I had my first year, four years ago, I was their third coach in four years, and that consistency, building that with the program, keeping the same staff around, knowing what to expect, not having to have new guys come in every year, that helps a lot.”
By Keegan McCullick, Staff Writer In his three years with the program so far, head coach Jay Harris has given Thomas More Prep two of their best seasons in two decades. Starting with an initial mark of 3-6 in 2019, TMP improved to 7-2 in 2020 and 8-3 last fall, advancing all the way to the quarterfinal round of the 2A playoffs.
For Kade, he used the summer as a chance to tweak aspects of his game. He also performed well at SP Combine Series Events (4.6 40, 4.15 shuttle, 33-inch VJ) this summer, which has helped him earn NAIA and JUCO scholarship offers, as well as interest from larger programs.
Kade is one of TMP’s top three-sport athletes. In the spring he qualified in four events at the 2022 state track meet and he earned honorable mention All-State for his play on the tradition-rich Monarch basketball team. Beyond the athletic arena, he maintains a 3.8 GPA in the classroom, which isn’t the only place he uses his smarts. “In junior high, I first saw him play, because he didn’t really played until seventh grade, and just started working on things,” coach Harris said. “His athleticism, getting that
As for the season, the Harris family and the Monarchs are looking to take yet another step, and with seven key players back, including an experienced group along the offensive line, the approach won’t change much.
Accepting the job with high praise from legendary coach Rick Wheeler, Dominick Dingle took over the Wichita Heights program in 2018 after a successful stint as defen sive coordinator at Garden City, and has since made his infectious personality and gritty defensive style a staple of the Falcon program. Prior to starting his career as a coach, Dingle graduated from Leavenworth High, before committing to play football at Garden City Community College, then finishing out his college football career at Appalachian State where he was part of two FCS National Titles. He then switched his focus to coaching and had a brief stop at Leavenworth High, 10 years at Garden City, and is now entering his fifth at Wichita Heights.Throughout much of Dominick’s coaching career, his son DJ, a senior entering his third season at starting QB for Heights, has been along for the ride. “From a young age we started out in Garden City for his youth days and my early coaching career,” coach Dingle said. “So he’s just always been around it. My wife would drop him off and he would be a part of practices, a part of summer camps, a part of drills. Just a couple weeks ago we pulled out a few videos of him running around and getting knocked around by our older players. So it’s just something that’s been around and been in our family for a long, long time. Just super-super excited about being able to incorpo rate him in my daily life as well.”
During that campaign DJ was 88 of 151 passing for 1,442 yards and 16 touchdowns to just three interceptions, while adding another 450 yards and seven TDs on 73 carries. He received All-State honorable mention for his performance. In 2022, the Falcons get back seven offensive and six defensive starters. Four Falcon offensive linemen return, along with senior running back John Randle Jr., one of the most heavily recruiting athletes in Kansas this year.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 68 Where the only thing missing is you!
Coach Clint Rider completed the turnaround of the Blue Valley Northwest program by leading the Huskies to a convincing 6A State Championship win over Derby (41-21) last November. (Photo: Remi Nuss) 8-3 team, but return a few important pieces, not least of all senior All-State defensive tackle Devan Lowe. Senior twin brothers Josh (WR/DB) and Jacob (DB) Parrish give the Eagles a pair of speed sters for eighth year coach Chris McCartney. Four offensive and eight defensive starters return for Manhattan after a 9-2 trip ended at Sectionals last season. Senior QB Keenan Schartz gives his dad’s offense a strong presence to build around, and until that group clicks, an experienced defense led by senior All-State LB Jaxon Vikander will keep opponents at bay.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 69 KANSAS PREGAME CLASS 6A PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. Derby 2. Wichita Northwest 3. Lawrence 4. Blue Valley Northwest 5. Junction City Others: Washburn Rural, Lawrence Free State, Manhattan, Olathe North, Olathe West, Blue Valley West, Shawnee Mission Northwest, Wichita East, Wichita Heights CLASS 6A
Wichita East finished 6-4 last season, their third straight winning season under coach Ene Akpan, and get back dual-threat junior QB DaeOnte Mitchell, who passed for 1,920 yards and rushed for 600 with 35 total TDs. The departure of seven all-league de fensive players and all but one O-lineman will create challenges.
By Keegan McCullick & John Baetz, Kansas Pregame Clint Rider emphatically completed his five-year building proj ect at Blue Valley Northwest last fall with a dominant 6A State Championship victory over Derby and stamped the program as the next big thing in Kansas High School football. Now the Huskies head into 2022 having graduated the best group of foot ball players in school history. Star quarterback Mikey Pauley is off to Nebraska where he plans to play both football and baseball for the Cornhuskers. Trench warrior and weight room freak Gabe Peterson is at New Mexico State where he’ll play outside line backer for Kansas natives Jerry Kill and Nate Dreiling. Tight end Max Muehlberger is at Oklahoma State. A total of 15 starters grad uated. Certainly Rider and the Huskies will have an adjustment period as a new quarterback and all new defense adjust to varsity play, but a trio of quality offensive linemen (Easton Wasinger, Aiden Behymer, Joel Deppe) and shifty running back Grant Stubblefield ( 250 car., 1,584 yds., 24 TDs) will help the Huskies compete against a brutal early season schedule as they work to ratchet up their play once it comes time for the postseason. Derby rolled through the first five games of the regular season behind one of the state’s most experienced and talented offen sive lines and a vicious defensive front before surviving a 42-41 shootout with Maize that showcased top Kansas prospects Dylan Edwards and Avery Johnson. The Panthers then plowed into the State Championship game where the Blue Valley Northwest Huskies shocked the Kansas high school football world, taking control of the game early and ending the Derby streak of three straight 6A titles. Now the Panthers must reload most of the offen sive and defensive fronts but Edwards (208 car., 2,603 yds., 38 TDs) returns in the backfield and Miles Wash and Samuel Samé are back to lead the defense for a Derby team that is expected to reload. Wichita Northwest returns to 6A after four seasons in 5A that yielded three appearances in the 5A State Championship. The Grizzlies return a devastating backfield duo of LJ Phillips (134 car., 1,982 yds., 26 TDs) and Cencere Thompson (129 car., 1,180 yds., 12 TDs) and junior quarterback Jayce Glasper appears ready to take the reins from standout Geremiah Moore. Steve Martin’s explosive and experienced offense will carry the Grizzlies early as defensive coordinator Marc Marinelli develops an entire ly new linebacker corps. Northwest is a consistent winner under Martin and there’s no reason to expect any less of them back in Class 6A. Lawrence tore through the first three rounds of the playoffs before hitting a semifinal roadblock named Derby. Offensively the Chesty Lions return just four starters from last season, but senior All-State tight end Cole Watson gives Truman Juelsgaard’s replacement at quarterback at least one quality target in the pass ing game. On the other side of the ball All-State senior linebacker Kenton Simmons is coming off a 106 tackle, three sack season and leads a group of seven returning defensive starters that head coach Clint Bowen expects to be a stingy group. Junction City enters year 29 of the Randall Zimmerman era coming off an 8-2 finish with losses to arch-rival Manhattan in Week 2, and Lawrence in the second round of the playoffs. Seven offensive and six defensive starters return among 28 total letterwinners for the Blue Jays. Senior quarterback Xavier Felton, provides a dynamic threat offensively after posting nearly 1,400 combined yards in the air and on the ground. He will pair nicely with senior All-State running back TJ Jones in the backfield and he’ll have receiver Tyree Holloway and tight end Logan Nabus to target in the passing game. Senior All-State defensive lineman Elijah Clarke-Boyd is back as one of the state’s top defenders and junior safety Michael Boganowski is a thumper who has the size (6-2, 195) and athleticism (4.54 40) to emerge as a one of the state’s top defensive prospects in the Class of 2024.
Kansas State commit Andre Davis headlines a Blue Valley team that otherwise lost nearly all production from last season’s 8-2 squad. Senior defensive backs Alec Wombolt and Michael Andry are the lone returning starters on D, but coach Allen Terrell believes the potential is there for a young roster to step up this fall.
Replacing strong-armed QB Blake Reeder – now playing tight end at Butler Community College – is going to be a tall task for head coach Bo Black, who also has to address a defense that returns just one starter from last season in DT Adrian Elsen. Coming off the winningest season in program history, Olathe West will lean heavily on talented senior QB Mason McGavran, who amassed 2,558 combined yards passing and rushing with 25 TDs for the 7-3 Owels. McGavran is well-protected with four of his five offensive linemen returning, including massive seniors Dylan Birge and Cooper Zwart. Defensively the Owls bring back just five starters, but three of them – DB Sean Swearingen, OLB Brandon Roupsouay, and DE Tyler Crowell – were all-league.
It’s likely the city of Lawrence holds some level of grudge against Derby, given that Free State was knocked out by the Panthers the round before their crosstown rivals. After going 8-3 in 2021, the Thunderbirds have the unenviable task of replacing a long list of senior starters, including the All-State duo of Jet Dineen (QB/ DB) and Tai Newhouse (DL). The task of replacing that group falls on the shoulders of five returning starters in all. Senior All-State offensive lineman Calvin Clements (Baylor commit) provides a talented centerpiece. Washburn Rural gets back significant talent and experience from last season’s 8-2 squad whose only regular season loss was by one-point in overtime against Junction City. Class of 2024 quarterback Branton DeWeese threw for 1,640 yards with 21 TDs and has talented senior receiver Amr Sabbarini back as his pri mary target, along with massive 6-4, 240 pound senior tight end Lukas Hanks. Defensively, junior twins JC (LB) and Jaren (SS) Heim are impressive athletes that will bolster the back-end of the defense, while junior D-end Packson Bettis is back to terrorize Topeka area QBs after recording eight sacks last season. The Junior Blues feature a particularly strong junior class ready to con tinue what could be a three-year assault on 6A. Olathe North graduated a talented senior class from last year’s “This season is not about defend ing a championship. It is about working to be the best team we can be this year and playing our best football when November comes around.”BLUEVALLEY
NORTHWESTCLINTCOACH,RIDER
Shawnee Mission Northwest went 7-4 in 2021, with three of their four losses coming by a touchdown or less. Do-it-all senior running back Malik O’atis gives them a proven offensive weapon after he gained over 1,500 yards from scrimmage last season.
Wichita Heights boasts one of the best players in the Midwest in senior running back John Randle, who shares the backfield with talented senior QB DJ Dingle. DJ’s father, Dominick, coached the Falcons to a second straight 5-4 mark last season and has seven offensive and six defensive starters back in all. Blue Valley West finished 7-5 last season and gets back 12 starters. All-State junior running back Sage Huffman leads the way for the Jaguars offensively after rushing for 1,457 and 13 TDs last season. Defensively, senior D-back Lake Ryan is coming off of a 72 tackle, four-interception season. Coach Josh Koerkenmeier does have to replace 1,700-yard passer Gage Roach, but stand out linebacker Zach Darche and WR/DB Jack Schneider both have the potential to follow in Roach’s footsteps. Defensive end Brooks Lowe, who joins Roach at Emporia State this fall, leaves a glaring hole on the defense, but Brody McManamon and Josh Kidd have the chance to emerge as top players in the EKL.
Page 70 www.freestate.dental Call Our Office Today! (785) 843-2636 4111 W 6th Street Drs. Newkirk, Adams and SameFillingsWillmsDayCrownsCleaningsVeneersImplantsWhiteningInvisalignReferralRewards for over 30 Years 23RD STREET BREWERY 3512 CLINTON PARKWAY LAWRENCE, KANSAS (785) 856-2337 www.brew23.com Proud Supporter of High School Athletics ChestyLAWRENCELionFootball Kenna McNally, LHS Budget Kenna McNally, LHS Budget 10-Time State Champions* 3-Time State Runners-up 18-Time Semifinalists 24-Time Quarterfinalists Capital-JournalTopeka#winningistradition *Since the start of the KSHSAA playoffs in 1969
Offense: Flexbone Defense: N/A Returning starters: Caleb Wiese, QB/DB, 6-4, 200, Sr.; Colin Kleystueber, RB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Jerry Arteaga, RB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Zack Keosengphet, RB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Sebastian Lopez, OL, 6-2, 285, Jr.; Garrett Messenger, OL, 6-2, 265, Sr.; Ryan Heiman, DB/P, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Carter Ramsey, LS/SS, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Issac Rivera, K, 5-9, 150, Sr.
ULYSSES, KS 2718 West Oklahoma Ave. Toll Free: 800-356-3460 620-356-3460
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jordan Gragg Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to be a very competitive team. To do this, we need to eliminate turnovers and be a physical defensive team.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Dylan Edwards, 208 car., 2,603 yds., 38 TDs; Derek Hubbard, 49 car., 402 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Brock Zerger, 6-17, 67 yds. Receiving: Dylan Edwards, 8 rec., 101 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Miles Wash, 127 tkls., Roman Boden, 57 tkls. Sacks: Miles Wash, 6 sacks; Mason Hopper, Samuel Samé, 5 ea. Ints.: Demaria’e Baker, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We need to get more physical and technique sound up front. We have a lot of new faces both on offense and defense. We need to gain confidence throughout the year to be able to compete during the playoffs. Our kids have really worked hard, but we need to continue this hard work throughout the season.”
Good Luck Bu aloes! West Jones Ave. | 620-275-4114
Head Coach: Brandon Clark (17th year, 150-39)
DERBY 2021 Record: 6-3 / Western Athletic Conference Head Coach: Glenn O’Neil (2nd year, 6-3; 16th overall, 129-39) Assistants: Daniel Voth, Kyle Culwell, Dustin Ferguson, Marcus Gutierrrez, Tate Lowe, Danny Finder, Josh Bradshaw, Iric Mawhirter
2021 Record: 5-4 / Western Athletic Conference
Notes: The Buffs graduate loads of talent and experience from both front lines off a team that posted a two-win improvement a season ago. Outside of blowout Week 6 loss to Wichita East coach Brian Hill’s squad was competitive in three of four losses. The “Hatchet Game” with rival Dodge City was another thriller in the series with the Red Demons taking the matchup 36-29 in two OTs. GCHS does return of a group of talented skill players including experienced QB Caleb Wiese and speed merchant Jerry Arteaga (10.64 100). If the Buffs can stay healthy they should contend in what appears to be a wide-open Western Athletic Conference race.
Offense: Spread Defense: Cover 2 Returning starters: Jordan Gragg, RB, 5-9, 220, Sr.; Keyon Anderson, OT, 6-4, 300, Sr.; Johnathon Villegas, OT, 6-5, 275, Sr.; Jason Holmes-Vaughn, DE, 6-2, 190, So.; Victor Limas, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.
DODGE CITY
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: None Passing: None Receiving: Austin Buie, 7 rec., 200 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Dawson Williams, 56 tkls. Sacks: Ozzie Poague, 3 sacks
KC-WYANDOTTE LAWRENCE
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2021 Record: 9-3 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Clint Bowen (2nd year, 9-3) Assistants: Chase Hancock, Jamie Resseguie, Jay Dineen, Darrius Pitts, Adam Green, Devin McAnderson, Trey Georgie, John Ely, Mike Lee Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Will Hendricks, OT, 6-4, 280, Jr.; Sam Sedo, WR, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Cole Watson, TE, 6-4, 230, Sr.; Jayden Brittingham, TE, 6-5, 250, Sr.; Lance Bassett, DE, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Kem Allen, DT, 6-2, 290, Jr.; Tate Meyer, DE, 6-3, 230, Sr.; Kenton Simmons, LB, 6-4, 230, Sr; Kyle Watson, CB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Josh King, TB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Macade Lewis, S, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Brayden Heck, RB, Sr.
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Rushing: Brayden Heck, 130 car., 574 yds., 4 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Cole Watson, 29 rec., 329 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Kenton Simmons, 106 tkls. Sacks: Kenton Simmons, 3 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Defense is the strength to this team. Big and physical players on that side of the ball. They need to become a dominant force.”
Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Jackson Kellogg, OL, 6-2, 360, Sr.; Ethan Whittley, OL, 6-1, 245, Jr.; Evan Norris, OL, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Austin Buie, TE, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Dawson Williams, LB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Andrew Kamtio, DB/LB, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Therron Meade, LB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Eli Blazic, DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Ozzie Poague, DL, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Dexter Carr, DL, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Eli Porter, DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Cameron Porter, DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 71
Good Luck Tigers! 1131 E Wyatt Earp Blvd (620) 227-2165
Assistants: Jarrod Foster, Todd Olmstead, Chris Pinaire, Taylor Zeka, Chris Devore, Austin Wuthrich, Eric Hendrick, David Tullis, Mitch Pontious, Kevin Davis, Zach Haynes, Derek Goble
Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Wyatt Jackson, OL, 6-0, 275, Sr.; Brock Zerger, QB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Braxton Clark, QB, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Dylan Edwards, RB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Derek Hubbard, RB, 5-8, 170, Jr.; Trevon Rose, WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Samuel Samé, DL, 6-5, 225, Sr.; Mason Hopper, DL, 6-0, Jr.; Leshaon Davis, DL, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Miles Wash, LB, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Kade Sheldon, LB, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Roman Boden, LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Demaria’e Baker, DB, 6-1, 185, Jr.
Interceptions: None Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will rely on a new backfield to carry the load in 2022 Jackson Kellogg, Ethan Whittley, Evan Norris, and Austin Buie will provide an experienced offensive front that we hope can lead our inexperienced backfield. We return eight starters on defense. We will rely on their experience, especially early in the season. Ozzy Poague and Dexter Carr return on our defensive line. Dawson Williams, Andrew Kamtio, and Therron Meade will provide leadership for our linebacker corps. Our secondary returns Eli Blazic, and Cameron and Eli Porter.”
DODGE CITY, KS Luck Red Demons! FFuullll SSeerrvviiccee FFiinnaanncciiaall IInnssttiittuuttiioonn Garden City E Kansas Ave 1504 Taylor Plz 800 825 7661 • gpcu org Federally insured by NCUA 2021 Record: 8-2 / Centennial League Head Coach: Randall Zimmerman (29th year, 176-100; 36th overall, 208-133) Assistants: Jimmy Goheen, Chase Jones, Willie Snipes, Aaron Craig, Ty Zimmerman, Rick Bazan, Colton Leikam, Matt Johnson, Jeff Childs, Bob Strahley Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Michael Boganowski, S, 6-2, 195, Jr.; Elijah Clarke-Boyd, DE, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Rodney Coleman, DE, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Donque Williams, CB, 5-5, 150, Sr.; Tyre Smith, CB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Cooper Bogenhagen, ILB, 5-9, 190, Jr.; Logan Nabus, TE, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Petren Bartolome, OL, 6-0, 255, So.; Garrett McCreath, OL, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Logan Lindsley, OL, 5-6, 190, Jr.; Tyree Holloway, WR, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Xavion Felton, QB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; TJ Jones, RB, 5-3, 145, Sr.
Head Coach: Brian Hill (13th year, 65-52) Assistants: Justin Reich, Chet Skinner, Asa Gottsponer, Nate Bailey, Mitch Moore, Lane Hendricks, Devin Limberg, Dan Delgado, DJ Covington
2021 Record: 11-1 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. I
Notes: A suprising loss to BVNW in the title game saw an otherwise spectacular season end on a sour note. Dylan Edwards is back after rushing for more than 4,400 yards and 63 TDs the last two seasons, but four standout O-linemen graduated. Three returning LBs will lead the D while the offense gels.
Rushing: Zack Keosengphet, 663 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Caleb Wiese, 309 yds. Receiving: Jerry Arteaga, 211 yds. Tackles: Caleb Wiese, 80 tkls. Interceptions: Caleb Wiese, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The keys to success this year will be staying healthy, replacing nine starters lost to graduation, and taking the next step in our Flexbone offense in the second year.”
2021 Record: 1-8 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. I Head Coach: Jamie Cruce (4th year, 3-22; 16th overall, 45-43) Assistants: Greg Enns, Chris Jensen, Ray Boese, Darren Robinson, Colby Leeper, Joe Standard, Ken Walters, Jay Hill, Colby Leeper, Ron Offense:Allan Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Christian Sicard, LB/DB/FB, Sr.; Jacob Smith, OL, Sr.; Brock Jenson, OL, Sr.; Kyle Butcher, OL/DL, Sr.; Sean Smith, OL, Jr.; Remey Buckles, RB, Sr.; Brody Johnson, QB, Jr.; Skylar Rardin, WR/CB, Sr.; Devon Hutto, LB, Sr.; Dylan Mele, OLB, Sr.; Andrue Kiltzing, S, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Remey Buckles Passing: Brody Johnson Receiving: N/A Tackles: Christian Sicard Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are looking forward to the challenge of the 2022 season. With hard work, dedication, and leadership from our returning players, we look to make improvements in all aspects of our program.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Xavion Felton, 117 car., 538 yds., 10 TDs; TJ Jones, 57 car., 343 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Xavion Felton, 46-97, 779 yds., 10 TDs Receiving: Tyree Holloway, 20 rec., 455 yds., 5 TDs; TJ Jones, 12 rec., 201 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Elijah Clarke-Boyd, 43 tkls. Sacks: Elijah Clarke-Boyd, 3 sacks Interceptions: Michael Boganowski, 2 INTs
JUNCTION CITY 2021 Record: 3-6 / Meadowlark Conference
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Chance Kerr, 60 car., 258 yds., 2 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Isaiah Taylor, 12 rec., 127 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Remington Miller, 58 tkls. Sacks: Luke Barker, 2 sacks Interceptions: Remington Miller, Isaiah Taylor, 2 INTs ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “(On offense) numerous players are expected to get their opportunity in space, the question is going to be who is going to be delivering the ball to them. Expected starter Austin Schulte had spring surgery and will be blessed if he can return. That leaves Alan Flores, a sophomore that led the freshman team to a 7-1 record, battling newcomer Kaden Garvalena, a senior transfer from Maize South. The two lines are both facing heavy rebuilding jobs. The offensive side of the ball has Roman Loya and Edgar Hernandez returning. Both players started all nine games in 2021. The defensive line has one part time starter back in Easton Rohr as his partner on the front Luke Barker has moved to linebacker. Barker, a State Champion wrestler, will pair with Chance Kerr to form an athletic inside duo. Remington Miller and Isaiah Taylor are a plus in the secondary as both made numerous big plays during the 2021 season.”
GARDEN CITY GARDNER-EDGERTON
Notes: New head coach Marcus Vaughn takes over the Bulldog program from R.J. Premis who spent the past three years as head coach at Wyandotte. Vaughn, who served as an assistant to Premis at Wyandotte, and also previously served as an assistant coach at Lansing High School, welcomes back five returning starters, including a pair of senior offensive linemen who will block for returning 1,000 yard rusher Jordan Gragg. Big offensive tackle Keyon Anderson (6-4, 300) earned All-KCAL honors for his play last season, and together with senior Johnathon Villegas (6-5, 275) the Bulldogs have an imposing pair of offensive tackles for Gragg to run behind. Vaughn and the Bulldogs will join a new league this season but won’t see many schedule changes as the newly formed Meadowlark Conference includes all the old Kansas City-Atchison League teams along with the addition of Highland Park from Topeka. The Bulldogs went 3-2 against league teams last season, with victories over Washington, Harmon and Schlagle, and losses to Atchison and Sumner Academy. The Phoenix and Sabres appear to be the favorites in the league again this season, with the Bulldogs nipping at their heels.
Notes: Randall Zimmerman was able to reload a team hit hard by graduation in 2021. Now in his 29th season as head coach of the Bluejays, Zimmerman returns 13 starters and 28 lettermen from an 8-2 squad. Dual-threat QB Xavion Felton is back after compiling almost 1,400 yards passing and rushing with 20 total TDs.
Returning Statistical Leaders
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Returning Statistical Leaders
2021 Record: 4-6 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Jesse Owen (2nd year, 4-6; 8th overall, 31-36) Assistants: Kyle Ball, Drew Brown, Dustin Delaney, Dalton Inlow, Robert Latona, Ryan Lonergan, Bryan McCall, Kyle Pacheco, Kyle Rush, Rowdy Sunsik, Spencer Webb
Notes: After a slow start that saw the Blazers lose the first four games of the season, G-E went 4-2 in the final six. Three of the losses were by eight points or less, including a 38-35 playoff loss to Manhattan.
Good
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We do have a good group of returners who need to provide great leadership. We have a big number of contributors from a year ago who are working hard to replace some very talented graduates. The key for us has always been to get our kids to play together as one cohesive team.”
Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Easton Rohr, DE, 6-1, 205, Jr.; Chance Kerr, ILB/FB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Luke Barker, ILB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Remington Miller, OLB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Isaiah Taylor, CB/WB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Daelyn Unzueta, WR, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Edgar Hernandez, T, 6-1, 260, Jr.; Roman Loya, G, 6-1, 210, Sr.
Notes: Cruce has just three wins in his three seasons at Campus but 11 total starters return to help put a bigger number in the win column this fall. Cruce will look to honorable mention all-league seniors Brock Jensen and Kyle Butcher to lead his Flexbone offense while all-league defensive back Christian Sicard will provide defensive leadership in the absence of graduated standout linebacker Barrett Roads. Sicard will also likely contribute on offense this season from both the fullback and slot positions. Cruce also mentioned emerging all-around athlete Drake McPherson, a junior quarterback, wide receiver and outside linebacker, as someone pushing for varsity playing time this fall.
Head Coach: Marcus Vaughn (1st year) Assistants: Issac Templeton, Eugene Rodriquez, Tony Williams, Isiah Peoples, Graham Weaver
Notes: Former KU coach Clint Bowen took over his alma mater last fall and continued the tradition of success at LHS. The Chesty Lions made it to the semis last fall before falling to Derby to end the year 9-3. Bowen returns a team that needs to replace graduated QB Truman Juelsgaard, WR Baylor Bowen, and tackle Noah Smith, but seven returning starters are back on D to carry the squad early as new offensive weapons emerge. Linebacker Kenton Simmons is a DI prospect with offers from Arkansas State and Eastern Michigan while defensive end Lance Bassett recently picked up an Emporia State offer. Tight end Cole Watson’s recruiting interest is also picking up with offers from Dartmouth and Lindenwood and O-lineman Will Hendricks is back to help protect the new Chesty Lion quarterback.
GARDEN CITY, KS West Jones Ave. Toll Free: 800-475-4114 | 620-275-4114
HAYSVILLE-CAMPUS
Rushing: Keenan Schartz, 106 car., 926 yds., 8 TDs Passing: Keenan Schartz, 57-91, 743 yds., 8 TDs Receiving: Jaxon Bowles, 11 rec., 164 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Jaxon Vikander, 59.5 tkls. Sacks: Jaxon Vikander, 4 sacks Ints.: Dante Walters, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have a much different schedule than what we have seen in the past with numerous teams leaving the Centennial League. It is hard to anticipate what this new schedule with bring. We have a good group of seniors and senior leadership will be key, as usual. We have six senior captains; Dre Delort, Tate Hoover, Ben Irvine, Kelonnie Patterson, Keenan Schartz, and Jaxon Vikander.”
Offense: Pro Style Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Micah Geary, WR/DB, 6-2, 178, Sr.; Ryan Kawaoka, QB/LB, 5-11, 191, Sr.; Eric Butler RB/LB, 6-2, 227, Sr.; Max Keller, RB/ SS, 5-10, 182, Sr.; Lucas Conover, OL/DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Reed Newbanks, OL/DL, 5-11, 235, Sr.; Joshua Sanjean OL/DL, 6-0, 224, Sr.; Aidan Lester, TE/DE, 6-4, 215, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders
2021 Record: 6-4 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Lorne Clark (1st year) Assistants: Keith Winger, Lucas Yarnell, Avery Parker, Justin Slaven, Mike Stephens, Alex Schuh, Jake Bade, Joseph Blake, Scott Schriner
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: None Receiving: Andre Davis, 53 rec., 883 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Alec Wombolt, 54 tkls. Sacks: None Interceptions: None Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will have many new faces on the Friday night field after graduating an outstanding class. They have all been working extremely hard and waiting their turn to be varsity players. If we can stay healthy, there is talent enough to reach our postseason goals.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 72 www.pizzahut.com ORDER ONLINE AT locations in Dodge City, Garden City and Liberal! Alex Reinecke, Agent Phone: 620-546-4861
Rushing: Tay Ware, 75 car., 301 yds., 3 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Jake Patchen, 18 rec., 201 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Colton Berger, 63 tkls. Sacks: Colton Berger, Wesley Edison, 1 sack ea.
Notes: A loaded Blue Valley squad started the season with a loss to eventual 6A Champ BVNW and reeled off eight straight wins before losing a one-TD slugfest with BV West – a team they beat by six points just three weeks prior – in the second round of the playoffs. Graduation gutted the roster with every passing yard, 95 percent of the rushing yards, four of five starting O-linemen, the entire defensive interior, and 11 of the top 13 tacklers gone. Sixth-year Tiger coach Allen Terrell will welcome numerous new faces to the field but he does get back standout WR Andre Davis (K-State commit) and a pair of senior DBs in Michael Andry and Alec Wombolt.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Bryce Noernberg, 71 car., 489 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Bryce Noernberg, 52-77, 679 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Jordan Allen, 78 tkls. Sacks: Jordan Allen, 7 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for the year are to be tough, physical, and disciplined. To be successful we need leadership, attention to detail, and toughness.”
MANHATTAN 2021 Record: 1-8 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Courtney Porter (3rd year, 7-10) Assistants: Jason Peete, Travis Greer, Brandon May, Jake Carroll, Rich Lane, Lance Larson, Hakeem Mosby, Spencer Peterson, Keke Blackmon, Jerome McCray, Craig Wind, Chris Bergida, Colten Ebeling Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: John Jarboe, OL, 6-1, 275, Sr.; Brett Carroll, OL/DL, 6-4, 297, Jr.; Alex Sonner, OL, 6-1, 270, Sr.; Michael Costello, OL/LB, 6-2, 225, Jr.; Nick Matlack, WR/DB, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Jaden Brown, WR, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Ray Smith III, OLB/RB, 6-2, 220, Jr.; Gerard Reed III, DB/WR 6-1, 190, Jr.; Craig Hartung, DL, Jr., 5-10, 280, Jr.; Jalen Proctor DL/RB, 5-7, 199, Jr.
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Jason Scoma, HB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Josh Parrish, WR/DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Michael Canseco, WR, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Alex Spencer, OL, 6-3, 265, Jr.; Braden Hales, OL, 6-4, 290, Jr.; Rell Western, OL, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Devan Lowe, DT, 6-3, 350, Sr.; Jason Parrish, DB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Daniel Vann, DT, 6-2, 285, Jr.
OLATHE NORTH 2021 Record: 8-3 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Chris McCartney (8th year, 57-22)
Returning Statistical Leaders
Notes: It’s a tale of two seasons for third year Olathe East coach Courtney Porter. After a spectacular 6-2 start in the COVID shortened 2020 season the Hawks slipped to 1-8 last fall. Porter welcomes back 10 total starters and a whopping 47 lettermen to prove last fall was a fluke, but the graduation of QB Austin Berggren does leave a glaring hole to fill. Fortunately, the new QB will have four returning starters along the O-line to help the transition to varsity play. Junior linebacker and running back Ray Smith appears poised for a breakout season after the 6-2, 220 pounder tallied 50 tackles last season. Senior Nick Matlack, the younger brother of K-State D-end Nate Matlack, is another athlete to watch. EAST OP-BLUE VALLEY 2021 Record: 8-2 / Eastern Kansas League
Tackles: Devan Lowe, 68 tkls. Sacks: Devan Lowe, 2 sacks Ints.: Jason Parrish, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have a handful of returning players with good playing experience. We will be much smaller but fast. We face a tough schedule and will need to stay healthy to have success.”
2021 Record: 5-5 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Ron Litchfield (1st year) Assistants: Todd Buttermore, Mke Spotts, Josh Perkins, Chad Hoffman, Adam Christopher, Damon Bell, Kenyon Thornburg, Nate Pauly Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2 Returning starters: Aiden Blum, LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Sr.; Zane Hall, S, 6-0, Sr.; Jack Bauer, OG/DT, 6-3, 290, Sr.; Bryce Noernberg, QB/CB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Jordan Allen, LB/TE, 6-4, 245, Sr.; Simon Groves, DL/DE, 5-9, 190, Jr.
OLATHE WEST
Notes: The Ravens enjoyed their best season in the four-year tenure of Aaron Hafner last fall going 6-4 with two of the losses by a TD each. Former assistant Lorne Clark now takes over the program and he has some quality pieces back to continue the building project. Running back Eric Butler is a big presence for NW in the backfield after rushing for 634 yards and six touchdowns last fall. Micah Geary is a versatile two-way player who gives returning QB Ryan Kawaoka an athletic target while also contributing in the defensive backfield. The offensive and defensive lines will have experienced returners but gone is Air Force commit Jayden Qquendo.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Mason McGavran, 171 car., 1,232 yds., 14 TDs Passing: Mason McGavran, 90-146, 1,326 yds., 11 TDs Receiving: Jack Scott, 15 rec., 262 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Brandon Roupsouay, 61 tkls. Sacks: Tyler Crowell, 2 sacks Interceptions: Sean Swearingen, Brandon Roupsouay, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The 2021 season produced the most wins in program history. We have a lot of experience returning on the offensive side of the ball, led by our quarterback Mason McGavran who rushed for 1,250 yards and threw for 1,350 yards. Our offensive line will continue to be the strength and most experienced unit on our team with four starters returning, led by All-State/All-League selections Dylan Birge and Cooper Zwart. We are excited about our defense that returns some experience up front, in the middle and in the secondary. There will be high competition for playing time from a group of guys who have worked extremely hard this off-season.”
OLATHE NORTHWEST OLATHE SOUTH 2021 Record: 7-3 / Sunflower League Head Coach: TJ O’Neil (5th year, 23-18) Assistants: Kraig Goerl, Craig Lewis, Mike Zegunis, Eric Kinney, Mike McLaughlin, Tyler Rodden, Sam Palm, RJ Nill, Evan Gray, Zach Russman Dalton Peters, Rick Offense:O’Neill Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Mason McGavran, QB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Cooper Zwart, LT, 6-4, 290, Sr.; Dylan Birge, LG, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Thomas Clark, C, 6-1, 250, Sr.; Michael Spritzer, RG, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Jack Scott, WR, 6-4, 165, Sr.; Justin Longhorn, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Sean Swearingen, DB, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Brandon Roupsouay, OLB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Tyler Crowell, DE, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Sam Ables, DL, 6-0, 245, Jr.; Reese Russman, DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.
Assistants: Josh Carroll, Leon Washington, Jeremy Pride, Taylor Stuart, Sean Richardson, Jeremiah Baer, Zach Johnson, Israel Marshall, Maurice Mack
2021 Record: 8-3 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Kevin Stewart (4th year, 16-11)
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Ray Smith, 50 tkls. Sacks: Ray Smith, 1.5 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to be a competitive team in the Sunflower League and maintain a positive culture in our school and community. Team success for us will come from strong internal leadership. consistent mental toughness, and playing with relentless effort.”
Notes: Former Park Hill South (Mo.) and United Township (Ill.) head coach Ron Litchfield takes over the Falcon program following the retirement of Craig Lewis. Litchfield also spent time as an assistant at Blue Springs and Pleasant Valley High Schools in Missouri. His most recent stint saw him help Pleasant Valley to the Missouri Class 1A semifinals in 2020 and quarterfinals in 2021. As the head coach at Park Hill South from 2002 to 2009 Litchield won 70 percent of his games and helped 37 players to college scholarships. As the special teams coordinator and secondary coach at Blue Springs Litchfield helped the Wildcats to a Missouri Class 6 State Championship. While Litchfield won’t have a ton of experience back from a 5-5 squad he does have a pair of standout big men in offensive lineman Jack Bauer and defensive end Jordan Allen.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jason Scoma, 26 car., 206 yds., 1 TD Passing: N/A Receiving: Joshua Parrish, 12 rec., 256 yds., 3 TDs; Jason Scoma, 8 rec., 202 yds., 2 TDs; Michael Canseco, 10 rec., 104 yds., 2 TDs
Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The early theme for the 2022 Firebird football season is going to be ‘New faces in new places.’ We will replace almost all of our statistical production from 2022. Defensively, only three players return with significant production; senior Colton Berger, senior Gavin Blanchard, and junior Wesley Edison. Although we are not returning a lot of varsity experienced players at the skill positions, this is pretty common with a successful outgoing graduating class. Despite all the turnover and new faces, there is a silver lining for the Firebirds; we will return four out of five playoff starters along the offensive line including All-State (Baylor commit) Calvin Clements at left tackle.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Eric Butler, 118 car., 634 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Ryan Kawaoka, 12-28, 169 yds., 2TDs Receiving: Micah Geary, 9 rec., 175 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Chase Burns, 15 tkls. Sacks: Chase Burns, 1 sack Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We want to be a hard-nosed, physical football team on offense and defense. Being detailed and physical up front, as well as utilizing our skill position kids, are our keys to success.”
Notes: Graduation hit North hard in the skill positions with quarterback/defensive back Noah Palmer, running back Aquantez Love, and versatile athlete Jacob Parrish, all among the key losses. Fortunately for eighth year coach Chris McCartney he welcomes a trio of offensive linemen to protect the new quarterback and Jacob Parrish’s younger twin brothers Josh and Jason provide a pair of exciting weapons on the offense and in the defensive backfield. Big defensive tackle Devan Lowe returns after posting 68 tackles and two sacks last fall and together with Daniel Vann provides the Eagles a pair of quality defenders up front. Jason Scoma and Michael Canseco round out the offensive returners.
Assistants: Dylan Brown, David Blazevic, Nolan Henderson, Chris Stewart, Marino Vidoli, Jermaine Lopez, Asheiki Preston, Zac Wormsley, Kyle Baker
LAWRENCE FREE STATE 2021 Record: 9-2 / Centennial League Head Coach: Joe Schartz (14th year, 107-29) Assistants: Eric Altevogt, Lucas Aslin, Adam O’Neill, Jim Webber, Steven Aschenbrenner, Danny Grater, Alex Reinecke, Chad Wolfe, Darian Taylor, Ryan Small, DeShawn Fogle Offense: Spread/Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Tate Hoover, C, 6-1, 210, Sr.; McCoy Linck, RG, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Jaxon Bowles, HB, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Braxton Frey, WR, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Keenan Schartz, QB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Ben Irvine, LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Kelonnie Patterson, NG, 6-0, 275, Sr.; Jaxon Vikander, LB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Dre Delort, CB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Dante Walters, CB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Max Stannard, FS, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Landon Machor, SS, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Chris Dunningan, OLB, 5-10, 175, Jr.
Notes: Manhattan graduates a good group of talented players including Centennial League offensive POY Vinny Smith, Shrine Bowl D-back Colby Klieman, and versatile receiver, defensive back, and return specialist Joe Hall. Fortunately for 14th-year head coach Joe Schartz the bulk of his defense returns to help navigate a new schedule.
OLATHE
Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Calvin Clements, OT, 6-7, 290, Sr.; Hank Fuchs, G/DT, 6-3, 265, Jr.; Will Young, C, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Kaden Lonard, OT, 6-6, 295, Sr.; Tay Ware, RB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Wesley Edison, QB/SS, 6-2, 210, Jr.; Dylan Farrel, ATH/CB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Colton Berger, LB/S, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Gavin Blanchard, LB, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Spencer Doan, TE/OL/DE, 6-5, 240, Sr.
Head Coach: Allen Terrell (6th year, 34-17; 12th overall, 65-45) Assistants: Lew Rowe, Paul Brown, Rick McNerlin, Johnathan Jost, Brandon Olney, Adam Bien, Don Hanna, Adam Kinzer, Mel Foxx, Tad Kersting, Demetrius Bernard, Larry Lindsay, Pat McRoberts, Trevor Burgess, Nate Schmidt, Ryan Offense:McNerlin Pistol Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Ben Dalke, WR, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Andre Davis, WR, 6-4, 200, Sr.; Logan Heisdorffer, OL, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Gatlin Samuel, TE, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Michael Andry, DB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Alec Wombolt, DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.
Notes: Standout QB Jett Dineen is off to KSU but one of the biggest and best O-lines in all of 6A will help new skills get up to varsity speed. Dineen was also the leader of the defense from his safety spot but senior Colton Berger (63 tkls., 1 sack) returns as a known commodity on the back end of the D.
2021 Record: 1-8 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Andy Walter (3rd year, 2-13) Assistants: Danny Long, Dennis Grayless, Julian Parks, Julius Dunn, Jake Seurer, Jacob Carpenter, Matt Jacobsen, Sam Jacobsen, Colin McCarty, Ryan Durand, Barnett Thompson
2021 Record: 3-6 / Eastern Kansas League Head Coach: Adam Pummill (2nd year, 3-6) Assts.: Trent Hedlund, Jordan Devey, Mike Maslowski, Ray Williams, Montai Mickens, Phillip White, Garrett Aimutis, Brandon Clifford, Jacob Spadoni Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Cole Bauer, LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Anthony Andrews, OLB, Sr.; Adam Parks, DE/WR, 6-3, 228, Sr.; Alonzo Morgan, FS, 5-11, 174, Sr.; Julius Jenkins, DE, 6-1, 222, Sr.; William Wallace, QB/RB, 6-0, 201, Sr.; Jaxon Goldberg, WR, 6-0, 181, Sr.; Cooper Reed, OL, 6-2, 257, Sr.; Gage Spachman, OL/DL, 6-3, 253, Sr.; Reece May, WR, 5-11, 198, Sr.; Tommy Storm, OL, 5-10, 212, Sr.; Tieon Jones, CB, 6-1, 175, Jr.
Notes: Bo Black continues the building project at NW leading the Cougars to a 7-4 season with three losses by seven points or less including a 37-34 quarterfinal playoff loss to Blue Valley West. The defense was ransacked by graduation with 12 of the top 14 tacklers gone. On offense Black will again have to replace a prolific passer as Blake Reeder (2,563 yds., 22 TDs, 3 INTs) is off to Butler CC. Fortunately for the next QB three starting O-linemen return and versatile running back Malik O’Atis (Emporia State, Missouri Baptist offers) is back after accounting for nearly 2,000 all-purpose yards a year ago. Senior Adrian Elsen is the lone returning starter on defense where he racked up 55 tackles and three sacks in just seven games. Since winning just two games in Black’s first two seasons, the Cougs have won at least four games in each of the last five seasons and at least six in each of the last three.
Notes: If veteran coach Tim Callaghan is going to improve on last year’s 3-6 record he’ll need to find a replacment for versatile athlete Mehki Knight. The graduated quarterback and defensive back accounted for 875 yards and eight total TDs last season whil racking up 81 tackles and four interceptions on defense. Knight is now at Hutch CC where he’ll play DB. Running back Noah Gunion will likely carry a bulk of the load early after rushing for 375 yards as a sophomore. Big junior D-lineman Cortez Velasco is one to watch after he posted 72 tackles with 11 for loss as a sophomore.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Grant Stubblefield, 250 car., 1,584 yds., 24 TDs Passing: Connor White, 15-24, 231 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: Grant Stubblefield, 21 rec., 201 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Collin Matile, 32 tkls. Sacks: Aidan Behymer, 1 sack Interceptions: Trey Ridley, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Although we graduated 15 starters, we have a number of talented and hardworking players who have been waiting for their opportunity to get on the field. Offensively, we are anchored on the left side of the offensive line by Easton Wasinger, Aidan Behymer, and Joel Deppe returning as three-year starters. With Grant Stubblefield returning for his third year in the backfield, we will be able to rely on the experience and talent those four players bring as our upcoming players, especially at the skill positions, get their feet under them. Defensively, we have a lot of holes to fill and many opportunities for players to step up. Aidan Behymer and Trey Ridley return as the two full-time starters. Bennett Ratcliff and Will Godderz bring varsity experience to the linebacker position.
OP-BLUE VALLEY WEST SHAWNEE MISSION EAST 2021 Record: 2-7 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Justin Hoover (5th year, 13-23) Assistants: Adrian Pearson, Mark Simoneau, Gary Carl, Matt Floyd, Kevin Thompson, Kanon Hoover, Quanzee Johnson, Andrew Gagnon
Notes: Jaguar coach Josh Koerkenmeier engineered another turnaround last year leading BVW to a six-win improvement and semifinal berth after going 1-5 in the COVID shortened 2020. The Jags enjoyed a similar uptick from 2018 to 2019 improving from 3-6 to 7-4. The Jags will try to avoid a downturn this fall behind an experienced and talented roster. Running back Sage Huffman and WR Jack Schneider have the security of three returning O-linemen as a new QB takes over for graduated 1,700-yard passer Gage Roach. Zach Darche and Lake Ryan are back on D as the top two returning tacklers.
Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Malik O’Atis, 859 yds., 17 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Malik O’Atis, 697 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Adrian Elsen, 55 tkls. Sacks: Adrian Elsen, 3 sacks Interceptions: Malik O’Atis, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal for this season is to have a winning record. Our key will be to develop a strong sophomore class.”
Notes: Andy Walter led the Bison to just one win for the second straight season, but three of the eight losses came by 10 points or less. Walter welcomes back a load of talent and experience this season and could have North ready for a breakout year. The Bison haven’t posted a winning record since 2016.
OP-BLUE VALLEY NORTHWEST
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Sage Huffman, 295 car., 1,457 yds., 13 TDs Passing: Jack Schneider, 6-10, 176 yds. Receiving: Jack Schneider, 27 rec., 517 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: Zach Darche, 85 tkls.; Lake Ryan, 72 tkls. Sacks: Josh Kidd, 2.5 sacks Ints.: Lake Ryan, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We return a lot of talented kids but lose a lot of leadership and toughness. This group will need to develop those areas to win games with our schedule.”
Returning starters: Spencer Davis, OL, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Dom Galindo, OL, 5-10, 260, Sr.; Nate Doolin, WR/FS, 6-5, 185, Jr.; Jourden White, WR, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Jacob Needham, QB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Darrius Comeaux, DL, 6-1, 285, Sr.; DeAndre Wilson, DL, 5-11, 300, Jr.; Julius Casares, DL, 5-10, 225, So.; Jakob Rooney, OLB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Diego Juarez, ILB, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Kejuan Blake, RB/ILB, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Judah Jones, ILB, 5-8, 185, Jr.; Liam Dalley, CB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Caleb Kiatoukaysi, S, 5-8, 170, Sr.
2021 Record: 7-5 / Eastern Kansas League Head Coach: Josh Koerkenmeier (7th year, 21-35) Assistants: Ryan Copp, Danny Catanzaro, Luke Farnsworth, Randy Lowe, Joe Allison, Tyler Dickerson, Eric Fritch, Reed Howard, Nate Harrison, Codi Willard, Matt Wood, Andrew Thurman, Travis Thurston, Joe Colwell
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2021 Record: 7-4 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Bo Black (8th year, 24-31; 22nd overall, 121-84) Assistants: Brian Vesta, Sedrick Cook, Mike Lockett, Kevin Murphy, Jay Black, Brad Qualls, Richie Bryant, Garrett Graves, Dom Must, Tanner Ybarra, Eric Williams Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Adrian Elsen, DT, 5-11, 265, Sr.; Malik O’atis, RB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Elijah Aguirre, OL, 6-0, 260, Sr.; Cody Meylan, OL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Carter Walsh, OL, 6-2, 205, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jacob Needham Passing: N/A Receiving: Nate Doolin, Jourden White Tackles: Diego Juarez Sacks: Darrius Comeaux Interceptions: Nate Doolin Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “(Our goal is to) keep building one brick at a time. We were a few mistakes away from a couple of more wins last year. Our goal is to play smart, selfless, team football this year. Discipline and ball security in the rushing game (and) capitalizing on opportunities in the passing game (will be key). Playing much faster offensively will be crucial. Defensively we must improve on third down and we must tighten up our pass defense.
Notes: After nine straight winning seasons under Chip Sherman, Dustin Delaney, and the first season under Justin Hoover, the Lancers posted their third straight season with two wins or less last fall. The Lancers fared well against Shawnee Mission rivals posting 28-7 and 34-19 wins over North and South respectively, with an 8-0 loss to West. They did not play SMNW last season, but the Cougars return to the schedule this fall. The Lancers graduated honorable mention all-league selections in Ryan Ward (running back), Kyler Haughton (receiver), Jackson Moulin and Jack Muller (offensive linemen), and defensive linemen Jay Cannova, Max Franklin, Trace Huston, and Zach O’Roark. Ward also earned all-league recognition as a linebacker, along with fellow 2022 graduate Ben Leutje. The offense took a major hit when 3 Star QB prospect Parker Leise transferred to IMG Academy for his senior season. Leise holds offers from Stetson, Toeldo, Brown and others. CJ Leonard (receiver), Ethan Curran (linebacker), and George Kopp (defensive back) earned honorable mention All-Sunflower League recognition for their play last season as juniors. The Lancers open the 2022 season at Gardner-Edgerton on September 2nd, and battle Olathe East at the CBAC on September 9th. On the 16th SM East faces Lawrence at the Shawnee Mission North stadium and then return to the North stadium to play North the next week on the 23rd. The Lancers close out September against SM West at SM South’s stadium.
OP-BLUE VALLEY NORTH 2021 Record: 12-1 / Eastern Kansas League Head Coach: Clint Rider (6th year, 21-26; 12th overall, 64-46) Assistants: Kollin Ahern, Zack Orrick, John Reichart, Darren Masten, Tobin Sample, Curt Alderman, Dayton Valentine, Reggie McElroy, Ed Thomas, Joseph Tii, Conor Rauschelbach Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Grant Stubblefield, RB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Aidan Behymer, OL/DL, 6-5, 220, Sr.; Easton Wasinger, OL, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Joel Deppe, OL, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Chase Wernimont, WR, 6-0, Sr.; Trey Ridley, DB, 6-1, 185, Jr.
2021 Record: 1-8 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Nick Foster (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: Geoff White, Zach McFall, Dawson Johannes, Terrale Johnson, Collin Carter, Joe Kennard, Chris Kiblen, Will Griffin, Damon Gebhardt, Jackson McCally, Brayden Bromley Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Nick Breckenridge, QB/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Drake James, OL/DL, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Quan Dunbar, WR/DE, 6-6, 220, Sr.; Monte Hales, TE/ DE, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Nate Herber, WR/DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Isaiah James, WR/DB, 5-9, 135, Sr.; Keegan Kesinger, OL/DL, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Grant Jennings, QB/ DB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Jake Johnson, WR/DB, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Ben Johnson, WR/DB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Jayson Sifrit, TE/DB, 5-11, 165, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Tackles: Grant Jennings, 52 tkls.; Nick Breckenridge, 40 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: Grant Jennings, Nate Herbert, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “(Our goals are to finish .500 or better (and) host and win a playoff game. (Keys to success include) staying healthy, playing physical, knowing our assignments and competing for all four quarters.”
Notes: Nick Foster posted just one win in his inaugural season at the helm but he welcomes back 11 starters and 17 total lettermen to improve that number this fall. After getting blasted in the first three games last year the Raiders rebounded with a 19-17 win over Olathe East in Week 4 and were much more competitive the rest of the season with three of the final five losses by 18 points or less. South played D well at times last fall, but offensive production will be key to improvement after the Raiders averaged a little more than 11 points a game last season while never scoring more than 19 points in any one game.
SHAWNEE MISSION SOUTH SHAWNEE MISSION WEST 2021 Record: 3-6 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Tim Callaghan (20th year, 110-81) Assistants: Brett Oberzan, Tommie Davis, Chris West, Doug Catloth, Jeff Tolbert, Steve Szczgiel, Jeremy Speers, Willie Young
Offense: Pro Style Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Chris Wade, OLB/WR, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Damarion Horton, C, 5-6, 175, Sr.; John Levia Lopez, LB/OL, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Cortez Velasco, NG/ TE, 6-2, 270, Jr.; James Saathoff, DE/OL, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Jayden Williams, LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Iverson Norwood, S, 6-1, 175, Sr.; JT Rehder, DE/OL, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Noah Gunion, RB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Logan Frackowiak, OL, 230, 6-0, Jr.
SHAWNEE MISSION NORTH SHAWNEE MISSION NORTHWEST
Offense: Spread Defense: N/A Returning starters: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A
Passing: None Receiving: Chris Wade, 6 rec., 65 yds. Tackles: Cortez Velasco, 72 tkls. Sacks: None Interceptions: None Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “This is a hardworking group of players who want to continue the Viking football tradition. The team is committed to each other and has worked hard in the offseason to increase their chances of success. They will be eager to prove themselves every Friday night.”
Notes: Clint Rider’s five-year project at NW peaked with a dominant State win over Derby. Now he must replace the best class of football players in school history, including three FBS signees. A talented OL and RB Grant Stubblefield will help new skills.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: William Wallace, 74 car., 329 yds., 1 TD Passing: None Receiving: Jaxon Goldberg, 58 rec., 874 yds., 11 TDs; William Wallace, 23 rec., 186 yds., 1 TD Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “(For goals) we use objective key results (OKRs). We set yearly objectives, but the primary focus within our program is to utilize offensive, defensive, and special teams OKRs which are laser focused on one week at a time.”
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Terrance Saunders, OL, 6-4, 270, Sr.; Jackson Cunningham, OL, 6-0, 250, Jr.; Hadley Holmes, OL, 6-3, 215, Jr.; Jack Schneider, WR/DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Andrew Coltharp, WR, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Sage Huffman, RB, 5-8, 170, Jr.; Brody McManamon, DL, 6-1, 225, Jr.; Zach Darche, LB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Josh Kidd, LB, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Lake Ryan, DB, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Kaden Rock, DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; John Michael Pujado, DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.
Notes: After starting the season 3-0, with wins over 4A power Bishop Miege and eventual 6A semifinalist BV West, the Mustangs dropped the final six games of the season. Among the losses were a 28-27 OT game with eventual 6A semifinalist Lee’s Summit North (Mo.), a 14-point loss to eventual 6A Champs BVNW, a 15-point loss to eventual repeat 4A Champs St. James Academy and a 17-13 loss to Olathe South in the opening round of the playoffs. Gone are QB Henry Martin (NW Missouri State), WR Mekhi Miller (Missouri), and LB Ty Farrington (KU), but 12 starters return to help second year coach Adam Pummill get the ‘Stangs back to winning ways.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Noah Gunion, 90 car., 374 yds., 2 TDs
TOPEKA-WASHBURN RURAL 2021 Record: 6-4 / Greater Wichita Athletic League Head Coach: Ene Akpan (5th year, 21-16) Assistants: Chaq Reed, Henry Robinson, Justin Hurley, Cedrick Payne
Offense: I-fomation Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning starters: DJ Fowler, QB, Jr.; Josh Martinez, OL, Sr.; Jacob Wassall, WR/DB, Sr.; Michael Bailey, RB/DB, Sr.; Angel Jeronimo, OL, Sr.; Gustavo Saenz, LB, Sr.
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2021 Record: 8-2 / Centennial League Head Coach: Steve Buhler (10th year, 45-41; 30th overall, 165-95) Assistants: Jerry Cavitte, Steve Lincoln, Ryan Smith, Duane Zlatnik, Colter Scott, Josh Lamb, Chris Ridley, Tobi Cowdin, Mike Miller
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: Branton DeWeese, 135-204, 1,640 yds., 21 TDs Receiving: Amr Sabbarini, 37 rec., 457 yds. Tackles: Ty Weber, 106 tkls.; JC Heim, 74 tkls.; Wyatt Conklin, 64 tkls. Sacks: Packson Bettis, 8 sacks Interceptions: Wyatt Conklin, Jaren Heim, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A Notes: Rural was a one-point OT loss to Junction City away from an unbeaten regular season and outright Centennial League title. Now, the Junior Blues return a load of talent and experience from a team that went 8-2 overall. Ty Weber returns as one of the top linebackers in the state and Lukas Hanks is back as a big physical tight end and H-back in an offense that likes to spread around the ball. The senior duo will provide leadership for a group that will be bolstered by a number of talented juniors. Returning all-league QB Branton DeWeese is back under center and he’ll look to raise his profile after earning an offer to play for Washburn after high school. Twins JC and Jaren Heim provide an imposing pair in the back half of the defense while senior wide receiver Amr Sabbarini is sure to be one of DeWeese’s favorite targets again this season. The D-line duo of Packson Betties and Jamond Lane is sure to terrorize opposing O-lines.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Michael Bailey, 79 car., 218 yds., 2 TDs Passing: DJ Fowler, 44-111, 541 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to improve in all aspects of the game, from last year, and from week to week, and establish a sense of team identity. Our keys to success are to have more positive plays than negative each game, be disciplined and keep mistakes at a minimum, do the little things well, establish the run game, and reduce the big plays allowed on defense.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: None Passing: None Receiving: Caiden Neal, 29 rec., 6 TDs Tackles: Ross Robinson, 56 tkls. Sacks: Ross Robinson, 2 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for the year are to compete in every game and we need to take the next step to close out games in the fourth quarter. We will be a young team with new leadership. We must develop fast and play with confidence all year long.”
Receiving: John Randle, 17 rec., 267 yds., 2 TDs; Lafayette Washington, 8 rec., 125 yds. Tackles: Isaiah Yehudah, 87 tkls. Sacks: None Interceptions: Jaydon Okoro, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “(After consecutive five-in seasons) the Falcons will try to get over the five-win hump with a very deep and talented team. The 2022 Falcons return seven starters on offense and six starters on defense. Statistically the Falcons improved in every major defensive category (last season).”
Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: LJ Phillips, RB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Cencere Thompson, RB, 5-9, 195, Jr.; Michael Lopez Jr., RB, 5-6, 150, Jr.; Trenton Salisbury-Smith, WR, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Taccari Brown, WR, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Jacob Lamb, OL, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Alex Herrera, OL, 6-2, 285, Sr.; Nathan Davis Jr, OL, 6-0, 266, Jr.; Caden Ross, DL, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Tre Birch, DL, 6-2, 280, Jr.; Romello Golston, DL, 5-11, 235, Jr.; Ben Heidebrecht, DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Dontrell Harris, DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.
Notes: Offensively Heights will try and build off of an electric season that saw them average 37 points a game. The Falcons will be led by three-year starter, and captain, DJ Dingle at the QB position and one of the nation’s top recruits, and three-year starter at the running back position, John Randle Jr. Both Dingle and Randle were All-State selections the past two seasons. Randle has put together back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons while Dingle passed for over 1,400 yards last season. Lafayette Washington is an explosive skill player that will add depth at WR and DB. The O-line will be led by three-year starter and all-conference performer Jordon Okon and allconference center Victor Ndale. The Falcons return seven starters on D, most who saw their first varsity action last fall and made big gains by year end.
2021 Record: 5-4 / Greater Wichita Athletic League Head Coach: Dominick Dingle (5th year, 17-18)
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: LJ Phillips, 134 car., 1,982 yds., 26 TDs; Cencere Thompson, 129 car., 1,180 yds., 12 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Michael Lopez, 28 rec., 499 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Ben Heidebrecht, 50 tkls. Sacks: Romello Golston, 3 sacks; Caden Ross, 2 sacks Ints.: Dontrell Harris, Ben Heidebrecht, 4 ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2021 season: “With a talented group of players on both sides of the ball returning (I’m) excited about this 2022 team. This offseason has been back to the ground roots of where this program started. Workouts have been competitive and practice will be the same.”
Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: DaeOnte’ Mitchell, QB, Jr.; Michael Robey, OL, Sr.; MJ White, WR/CB, Jr.; Dayontay Standifer, LB, Jr.; Ashton White, WR, Jr.; LT Robinson, WR, Jr.; Skylar Toppah, OL, Jr.; Corbyn Clement, DL, Sr.; Tyshon Ervin, DL, Sr.; Demetrius Manuel, LB, Sr.; Omari Wishom, DB, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: DaeOnte’ Mitchell, 600 yds., 9 TDs Passing: DaeOnte’ Mitchell, 1,920 yds., 26 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: For Wichita East head coach Ene Akpan the goals for this season are short and specific, “win City, win State.” To achieve these goals he says his team will need to “stay grounded.”
Notes: North graduate and former assistant Mitch Kucera, Class of 2006, takes over a program with a long stretch of struggles on the gridiron. The proud North alum will work to build the program from the ground up with goals of competing each play and establishing a sense of identity. Kucera will have a handful of experienced players back to help install his I-formation on offense and 3-3 Stack of defense.
Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5
Notes: The graduation of quarterback and defensive back TJ Neal, a Washburn signee who received All-GWAL honors as a junior and senior, leaves a significant hole for the Titans this fall, but fourth year coach Russ Wells gets back a big and experienced trio of offensive linemen who will help provide protection for new faces in the backfield. A pair of experienced wide recievers, including second team All-GWAL selection Caiden Neal, will give the new quarterback quality targets in the passing game. The defense will be led by three returning starters along the defensive line and junior linebacker Ross Robinson, but the secondary will have to develop a whole new group of starters. Senior offensive lineman Matthew Godsey appears poised for a breakout season and could emerge as a college prospect after looking solid at the Sharp Performance Top Prospect Event earlier this summer at Salina Stadium.
Notes: After taking their lumps in the first year of the Marcus Bagley era the Buffs welcome back 11 players with starting experience for a team ready to chase Bagley’s goal of a City League title. Seven battle-tested seniors are back in the starting lineup including honorable mention all-city running back Kanye Brown (345 yds., 5 TDs). The D welcomes back a trio linebackers along with Wichita East transfer defensive end Jessie Gunter, who provides significant size along the D-line. Free safety Chris Atkinson is a ballhawk in the secondary who posted three INTs last season and earned honorable mention all-league. A league championship will require significant improvement on both sides of the ball after the Buffs scored in double digits just three times. The Buff D was frequently exposed as well, allowing less than 48 points just twice a season ago. If Bagley can achieve his goals of “effort” and “buy-in” improvement is a near certainty.
Notes: The Trojans posted just two wins for the second consecutive season and enter 2022 facing a brutal schedule. After hosting 5A Runner-up Maize in Week 1 and heading to Manhattan in Week 2 the Trojans make the 350 mile trip to Liberal in Week 3. After a Week 4 home game against Emporia, THS faces a murderer’s row of at Wichita Northwest, vs. Washburn Rural, at Junction City and vs. Hays. Versatile running back Tylan Alejos is gone to graduation but big-time FBS prospect is back along the defensive line.
Head Coach: Russ Wells (4th year, 7-18) Assistants: Jermey Moss, Kaale McCulloch, Sean McDonald, Will Davis, Dominic Webb, Kirk Westmoreland, Robert Claibourn, Ben Hauser
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3-5 Returning starters: Shane Sexton, OL, 5-10, 260, Sr.; Ma’Kenttis Adams, RB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Zach Franco, OL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Lukas Hanks, TE/H, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Ty Weber, OLB, 6-3, 235, Sr.; Wyatt Conklin, OLB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; JC Heim, RB/LB, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Jaren Heim, SS, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Jamond Lane, DL, 5-11, 275, Jr.; Branton DeWeese, QB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Amr Sabbarini, WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Packson Bettis, DE, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Kason Williams, RB/CB, 6-0, 170, Sr.
WICHITA NORTH 2021 Record: 8-3 / Greater Wichita Athletic League Head Coach: Steve Martin (11th year, 86-25; 15th overall, 117-36) Assistants: Jason Bennett, Rontez Grayson, Michael Johnson, Marc Marinelli, Skip McCaulley, Josh Sims, Jonathon Thompson, Luke Westerman, Zack Westhoff, Michael Lopez
2021 Record: 0-9 / Greater Wichita Athletic League
Notes: The Blue Aces followed up the team’s best football season in 37 years with a third straight winning season last fall as fifth year coach Ene Akpan continues the building project at East. Graduation hit hard this spring as the Blue Aces bid farewell to seven all-league players including newly signed K-State linebacker/defensive back Tobi Osunsanmi, standout defensive back Travon Manuel, and top wide receiver Caquoy Patterson. The cupboard is not bare though. Akpan gets back one of the best quarterbacks in the state in junior DaeOnte’ Mitchell. As a sophomore last fall Mitchell threw for nearly 2,000 yards with 26 touchdowns and just two interceptions while completing almost 80 percent of his passes. He also rushed for 600 yards with nine more scores. Mitchell is part of a strong core of juniors returning for the Blue Aces including receivers Ashton White, MJ White, and LT Robinson, and linebacker Dayontay Standifer. The biggest holes are along the offensive line and in the back half of the defense. If Akpan can plug those a fourth consecutive winning season is certainly possible.
Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Tayten Edenfield, TE, 6-3, 215, Sr.; Kanye Brown, RB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Chris Atkinson, FS, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Tylan Smith, CB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Elliot Merten, C, 5-11, 230, Jr.; Jordan Johnson, MLB, 5-11, 198, Sr.; Jaylen Booker, WR, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Quentin Webb, OLB, 6-1, 211, Jr.; Martin Lopez, G, 6-2, 312, Sr.; Jessie Gunter, DE, 6-5, 230, Sr.; Carlos Porter, WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Javieon Carter, OLB, 6-1, 200, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Kanye Brown, 45 car., 345 yds., 5 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Chris Atkinson, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal for the 2022 season is to be City League champs. The key to our success is to be prepared, know and communicate the game plan, give maximum effort, buy-in, and build the culture.”
WICHITA SOUTH WICHITA SOUTHEAST
WICHITA EAST WICHITA HEIGHTS
Returning starters: Matthew Godsey, OL, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Julius Matzek, OL, 6-3, 250, Sr.; Parker Hardgrave, OL, 6-7, 315, So.; Caiden Neal, WR, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Kamren Wade, WR, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Cyreone Henagan, DE, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Ross Robinson, LB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Shakur Harris, DB, 6-2, 155, Sr.; Asa Berry, DE, 6-3, 200, Jr.; Jarion Campbell, DT, 5-10, 225, Sr.
Assistants: Malik Jaradat, Corby Milleson, Ryan Depperschmidt, Brennyn Pankratz, Jarron Ogles, Todd Sacquitne, Isaiah Murdock Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning starters: DJ Dingle, QB, Sr.; John Randle, RB, Sr.; Jayven Martin, OL, Jr.; Alonzo Cabral, OL, Jr.; Victor Ndale, OL, Sr.; Jordan Okon, OL/DB, Sr.; Isaiah Yehudah, WR/LB, Jr.; Lafayette Washington, WR/DB, Sr.; Cole Milleson, DE/LB, Jr.: Nate Campbell, Jr.; Lathan McCoy, DL, Jr.; Quantavis Galloway, DL, Sr.; Avante Scales, Jr.
Offense: Pro Style Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Isaiah Kincade, RB/DB, 195, Jr.; Peyton Wheat, QB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; David Moore, OL, 6-3, 265, Sr.; Jeovanny Gonzales, OL, 5-11, 265, Sr.; BJ Canady, TE/QB/DE, 6-5, 240, Sr.; Ethan Martell, SS, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Clarence Ross, DB; Jaziah Mack, DB; Jashaun Kenoly, DB Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We return to the 2022 football season with a very young team playing a tough out of league schedule. Topeka High has had much success in previous years and we are in the rebuilding stages with an inexperienced team that may feature many young players having to step into starting roles. We look to grow and stay competitive while continuing to get better each week during the season. We will be looking to lean on the highly recruited defensive end BJ Canady, along with experienced QB Peyton Wheat and other talented returning letterman Isaiah Kincade and Elijiah Kincade.”
Head Coach: Marcus Bagley (2nd year, 0-9) Assistants: Jeff Martin, Chris Hughes, Curtis Smith, Lewis Winfield, Laride Conerly, Alfredo Malcolm, Zach Offense:RathmanPistol
TOPEKA HIGH 2021 Record: 1-8 / Greater Wichita Athletic League Head Coach: Mitch Kucera (1st year) Assistants: Zac Clark, Brian Yenor, Jack Ewings, Jason Storm, Gage Smoots, Richard Drakeford, Aaron Guerrero
Notes: Following three straight 5A title game appearances the Grizzlies fell to Kapaun in the playoff quarterfinals a year ago. Now, the Grizzlies are back in their old stomping grounds in Class 6A. Gone to graduation is tough and talented QB Geremiah Moore but that’s the only glaring hole for a team returning three starting O-linemen and a pair of backs who each rushed for at least 1,180 yards last season (LJ Phillips, 1,982 yds., 26 TDs; Cencere Thompson, 1,180 yds., 12 TDs). The majority of a talented defensive line and secondary return for a team that shouldn’t miss a beat in their new classification.
2021 Record: 2-7 / Centennial League Head Coach: Carlos Kelly (3rd year, 4-11) Assistants: Sale Isaia, Chad Kincade, Saleigh Dean, Brandon Mitchell, Jeff Colter, Jermaine Smith, Laderick Richardson
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: John Randle, 116 car., 1,095 yds., 16 TDs Passing: DJ Dingle, 88-151, 1,442 yds., 16 TDs
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 75
2021 Record: 2-7 / Greater Wichita Athletic League
WICHITA NORTHWEST
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By Keegan McCullick & John Baetz, Kansas Pregame Mill Valley football’s legend continues to grow after the Jags won their third straight 5A crown last fall, the program’s fifth title in the last seven years. Coach Joel Applebee welcomes plenty of pieces back to continue the run of success including quarter back Hayden Jay (131-200, 2,343 yds., 27 TDs, 117 car., 449 yds., 10 TDs) and a loaded defense led by Mikey Bergeron and Broc Worcester. The defensive line gets a pair of sack artists back in Truman Griffith and Grant Rutkowski after the duo combined for 18 sacks last season. Track star Sidney Lockhart will try to showcase his speed in a breakout senior season in the Jaguar offensive backfield. Given Mill Valley’s propensity to reload under Applebee, it begs the question, are Kansas high school football fans witnessing the emergence of the greatest high school football dynasty the state has ever seen? A couple more seasons will reveal the answer. The biggest obstacle to another title for the Jaguars could re sides at the northwest edge of the Wichita metro at Maize High School. Going into his 13th year with the program, head coach Gary Guzman comes off of a 10-3 State Runner-up season that ended with a championship game loss to Applebee and company. This fall, the Eagles return what might be the best offensive attack in Kansas. Helmed by Elite 11 QB Avery Johnson (K-State com mit) and a receiving corps that includes Syracuse commit Bryce Cohoon and DI hopeful Justin Stephens (Washburn offer), along with powerful running back Daeshaun Carter (1,200-yard rusher) and an experienced offensive line, the Maize offense is loaded for bear. The Eagles have a few more question marks on defense, but Guzman says the talent is there to rebuild that unit. Head coach Weston Schartz added another quality season to his Hall of Fame legacy in 2021, leading Kapaun to a 10-2 re cord and semifinal berth. All-State junior running back Omari Elias is coming off of a 2,300-yard, 30 TD rushing season and is ac companied by senior K-State end commit Will Anciaux and junior 1,000-yard passer Dylan Hamilton. With only four offensive and five defensive starters returning the Crusaders have holes to fill, but the top-end talent and enthusiasm surrounding the recently revived powerhouse by Schartz should provide solutions. Another season, another winning record for Dusty Trail’s 2021 Bishop Carroll squad that was knocked out, 28-21, in a second round playoff matchup with Maize and finished 7-3. While the loss of All-State receiver Matt Holthusen and All-State O-lineman Maddox Marcotte are significant, but all-league receiver Tate Blasi and five offensive linemen with significant varsity experience should soften the blow. Due to the trials and tribulations of the hyper-competitive Eastern Kansas League, Blue Valley Southwest finished just 4-7 last season despite advancing to the third round of the 5A playoffs. Eight offensive and six defensive starters return from the 2021 squad, including All-State QB Dylan Dunn, who com pleted 63 percent of his passes for 2,587 yards and 19 TDs. He’ll “We are very proud of this senior class. They have had a tremendous offseason and have big goals. Their leadership has carried us heading into the season.”MILL
1. Mill Valley 2. Maize 3. Kapaun 4. Bishop Carroll
5. Blue Valley Southwest
Others: Andover, De Soto, Hays, Hutchinson, Maize South, Spring Hill
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CLASS 5A
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 77 KANSAS PREGAME CLASS 5A PRESEASON RANKINGS
Maize South is another program that said goodbye to some key players last season, particularly running back Evan Cantu (K-State) and offensive lineman Daniel Jantz (Friends), but soph omore QB Tate McNew should benefit from another year of de velopment after an impressive freshman performance. He gets msot of his top receiving targets back, including junior Sammy Dresie who had 504 yards receiving last season. Defensively, se nior Conner Neill (Emporia State, Mo. West offers) is coming off of a 70-tackle season and will lead a unit with just three defensive starters. Andover loses a group of talented starters from 2021, but with four starting offensive linemen returning, along with quarterback Brady Strausz, Ken Dusenbery’s club has a decent foundation set for this fall. The defense will again be a strength for the Trojans with an excellent D-line group including Christian Snipes, Matthew Hyde, and BJ Redic. Linebacker Jordan Hartman returns after earning all-league recognition and defensive backs Nik Pai and Landry Root are among the top defenders in the AVCTL. Pai will also see an expanded role on offense. De Soto lost 11 all-league players to graduation and return just four offensive and five defensive starters, meaning head coach Bring King has a lot to figure out by Week 1. Despite the question marks, King feels good about the development he has seen this summer, and De Soto has shown the ability reload in the past. The Hutch High Salthawks went 4-5 a year ago, but dealt with a tough schedule and some close games that didn’t go their way. Blazing fast senior Noah Khokar is the top returning offensive player after gaining more than 1,000 yards from scrimmage last season. Defensively, senior defensive end Bradyn Rodriguez returns after recording 45 tackles and five sacks a season ago.
Mill Valley coach Joel Applebee led the Jaguars to their third consecutive 5A State Championship last fall and their third title in five seasons. (Photo: Lori Wood Habiger, Center Stage Photography) have three returning offensive linemen to work behind and Sam Swickard (21 rec., 446 yds., 2 TD), Gage Ilges (32 rec., 321 yds., 2 TDs), Hank Phillips (6 rec., 100 yds., 2 TDs), and Alex Parks (8 rec., 88 yds.) to help replace graduated receiver Zach Atkins. The BVSW defense will have to replace the top three tacklers, but the secondary, behind juniors Emmitt Peters, Trey Thomas, Landon Christiansen and Tate Everard, who combined to make 11 interceptions last season. If the Timberwolves can enter the postseason healthy it could be a special finish. Spring Hill finished 8-2 last season and brings back four offen sive and seven defensive starters from that squad. Senior run ning back Draven Pipkin is coming off of a 710 yard, 11 rushing touchdown season and is likely to be looked to early and often as the only returning offensive player with significant production. Defensively, the biggest challenge is likely to be replacing AllState senior defensive back Zach Knowlton, but returning line backers Brandon Richardson, Noah Anderton and RJ Dominick were the second, fourth, and fifth leading tacklers a year ago. Hays High is com ing off of one of their best seasons in pro gram history led by Oklahoma signee Jaren Kanak, and K-State commit Gavin Meyers, and a loaded graduating Class of 2022. An inexperi enced group spear headed by dynamic junior running back Malik Bah and versatile senior H-back Bryce Salmans, along with DI senior safety pros pect Remy Stull, has all the talent necessary to put together another successful season and continue Tony Crough’s building project.
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HAYS HUTCHINSON 2021 Record: 4-5 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. I Head Coach: Mike Vernon (5th year, 16-21; 10th overall, 45-40) Assistants: Scott Yantes, Dalton Luce, Jeremy Garcia, Brayden Wells, Jack Hawver, Mace Krol, Zach Burkhart, Marcus Moeder, Sean Harper, Justin Spencer, Dylan Graves, Mike Nugent
ANDOVER 2021 Record: 6-4 / United Kansas Conference Head Coach: Brian King (10th year, 58-34) Assistants: Joel Thaemert, Mark Gastelum, Tod Hessong, Lynn Hoffman, Dale Hurt, Erik Bell, Tom Byers, Andrew Pinnell, Chase Kilgore Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Jordan Langford, WR, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Josue Perales, OL, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Amarion Green, RB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Braden Griggs, RB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Brayden Duncan, DL, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Jason Jurmann, LB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Sam Torline, LB, 6-0, 202, Sr.; Charlie Tadlock, DB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Cole Heitmann, DB, 5-10, 155, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Nik Pai, 48 car., 289 yds., 1 TD Passing: Brady Strausz, 71-133, 977 yds., 12 TDs Receiving: Nik Pai, 2 rec., 33 yds. Tackles: Christian Snipes, 45 Sacks: Christian Snipes, 6 Ints.: Landry Root, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have some big shoes to fill in terms of on the field as well as in leadership roles. Looking for our seniors to collectively step up and fill those roles.”
Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Noah Kohkar, RB/WR, 5-9, 168, Sr.; Daylee VanSycle, OT, 6-3, 212, Jr.; Sammy Christians, OT, 6-1, 178, Sr.; Kellen O’Sullivan, WR, 6-3, 176, Sr.; Daniel Hernandez, RB/DB, 5-7, 156, Jr.; Zion Burgess, RB/DB, 5-10,168, Jr.; Nic Lange, QB, 6-5, 186, Sr.; Bradyn Rodriguez, DE, 6-1, 203, Sr.; Dorrian Hippen, DE/DT/RB, 5-11, 236, Sr.; Landyn Dickson, OLB, 5-10, 177, Sr.; Dylan Garrett, LB, 5-9, 169, Sr.; Titan Heneha, DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Gabe Eyem DB, 5-11, 163, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Noah Kohkar, 84 car., 634 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Nic Lange, 35-68, 487 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Noah Kohkar, 23 rec., 373 yds., 3 TDs
Offense: Spread/Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 / 3-3-5 Returning starters: Grayson Walburn, DE, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Carson Spray, DT, 6-0, 265, Sr.; Evan Lind, LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Remy Stull, SS, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Connor Dreiling, FS, 5-10, 165, Jr.; JW Perry, CB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Derrik Riggs, OL, 5-10, 225, Sr.; Henry Fitzum, OL, 5-10, 245, Jr.; Quinton McGuire, OL, 6-2, 285, Sr.; Bryce Salmans, TE/HB, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Malik Bah, RB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Kyreese Groen, QB, 6-1, 175, Sr.
Notes: The Spartans took their lumps last fall but a deep group with varsity experience return to help right the ship in Keaton Tuttle’s second full season on the job. Tuttle’s team is still quite young though with only eight of 15 returning starters current seniors. Fortunately for Tuttle, one of those seniors is Bobby Trujillo, a multi-time all-league LB who will anchor the EHS D and play an expanded role in the Spartan running game this fall. The Spartans must replace 1,100 yard passer Cam Geitz, but the new QB will have top WR Parker Leeds back for his senior year.
DE SOTO 2021 Record: 1-8 / Centennial League Head Coach: Keaton Tuttle (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: Randy Wells, Zach Dreher, Mike Sauer, Orlando Sheets, Clayton Neas
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 79
Notes: After graduating possibly the best group of seniors in Hays High athletics history coach Tony Crough welcomes a new group of leaders to the field. But don’t weep for Crough, the talent is there for continued success with junior running back Malik Bah, senior tight end Bryce Salmans, receiver turned QB Kyrese Groen, and DB Remy Stull (New Mexico St. offer) just a few players expecting big years.
Tackles: Bradyn Rodriguez, 45 tkls. Sacks: Bradyn Rodriguez, 5 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “As a team, we’ll need to focus on getting better everyday. It seems cliche but I believe it’s the lynch pin on ‘arriving.’ We have some younger offensive linemen that will be playing this year. They are faster, stronger, and bigger than their predecessors but they’ll have to make that jump to varsity football.”
Head Coach: Tommy Beason (5th year, 21-21) Assistants: Curtis Albin, Brent Glann, Blake Meyers, Jake Bjostad, Billy Bledsoe, Jason Nichols, Shaheem Sanders, Joel Condray Offense: Wishbone Defense: 3-3-5
Notes: Andover was incredibly close to finishing a great year even better with all three losses by 12 points or less including Week 1 to eventual 5A Runner-up Maize (17-14), Week 7 to eventual 4A Runner-up Andover Central (27-20), and an 18-6 playoff loss to Hays. The AHS D allowed just 12.2 ppg with three shutouts. Graduation hit the skill positions hard, but fortunately for third year coach Ken Dusenbury significant experience is back in the trenches. Christian Snipes leads a good D-line group and is joined by NT Matthew Hyde – who has earned offers from Valpo, William Jewell and Highland CC –and DE BJ Redic. QB Brady Strausz enters his third year starting and has four returning bigs to protect him, led by all-leaguer Jordan Hartman, but he’ll need Nik Pai to expand his role in replacing weapons Tayton Klein, Matt Rudy, and Max Middelton.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Malik Bah, 83 car., 634 yds., 7 TDs; Kyrese Groen, 27 car., 211 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Kyrese Groen Receiving: Kyrese Groen, 10 rec., 201 yds., 4 TDs; Bryce Salmans, 9 rec., 176 yds., 3 TDs
Notes: The Panthers went winless last season and carry a 17-game losing streak that dates back to Week 9 of 2019. Twelve returning starters will look to end the streak this fall with the offense well-positioned to improve on last year’s 12 points per game average. Speedy quarterback Cayden Scheuerman returns as one of the best all-around athletes in the WAC and he’ll have leading pass catcher Braylon Council back at one WR position. Cody Miller returns as a productive running back for the Panthers along with an experienced O-line. The defense will have many question marks, but Matthew Moeder returns as one of the WAC’s best defenders.
Offense: Spread Run Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Alex Allemang, K, 5-8, 180, Jr.; Parker Leeds, WR/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Fred Jackson, WR/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Derrick Keys, RB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Enrique Rios, TE/DE, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Kyle Obermeyer, TE/LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Bobby Trujilo, RB/ LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Nate Thomas OL/DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Thai Iverson, OL/DL, 5-6, 225, Jr.; Aidin Ewing, OL/DL, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Koby Le, OL/DL, 6-0, 190, So.; Robert Allaman-Wesley, OL/DL, 6-3, 245, So.; Jaden Thomas, OL/DL, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Sheldon Stewart, WR/ DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Jaxon Dial, WR/DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.
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Returning starters: Bradley Bond, OL, 6-5, 295, Sr.; Warrick Eakin, OL, 6-1, 255, Sr.; Ayden Giltner, OL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Tucker Johnson, OL, 5-10, 230, Sr.; Preston Porter, OL, 5-10, 270, Sr.; Gavin Hutchinson, TE, 6-4, 250, Sr.; Devin Mathes, RB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Isaac Mondragon, DL, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Ashton Baker, LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Tanner Steven, LB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Sandler Bowyer, DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Carter Clyne, DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.
Offense: Power Spread Defense: 3-4 / Multiple Returning starters: Cayden Scheuerman, QB/SS, Sr.; Braylon Council, WR/DB, Sr.; Colton Brack, TE/ OLB, Jr.; Matthew Moeder, MLB/OL, Sr.; Matthew Johnson, OL/DL, Jr.; Dee’Onn Jones, DL, Jr.; Dani Nieto, OL/DL, Sr.; Brantley Schaffer, OL, Sr.; Cody Miller, RB, Jr.; Maddox Spray, WR, Jr.; Skylar McMullen, DB, Sr.; Noah Jerke, DB, Sr.
2021 Record: 7-3 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II Head Coach: Ken Dusenbury (3rd year, 13-7; 8th overall, 54-18) Assistants: Dustin Murray, A.C. Poynter, Taylor Counts, Trey Bryan, Derek Base, Lelin George, Rick Lee Offense: Power Gun Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Christian Snipes, DL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; BJ Redic, DE, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Jordan Hartman, LB/ OL, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Nik Pai, DB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Landry Root, DB, 5-8, Sr.; Brady Strausz, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Eli Lane, OL, Sr.; Brayden Harmon, OL, Sr.; Geoffrey Tew, OL, Sr.
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2021 Record: 0-9 / Western Athletic Conference Head Coach: Erin Beck (7th year, 28-30) Assistants: Jeff Lutt, Bill Maddy Dustin Klassen, Brandon Wells, Alex Birney, Matt Barton, Mason YellowWolf
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Devin Mathes, 13 car., 61 yds.; Micah Johnson, 16 car., 41 yds. Passing: None Receiving: Mason Healy, 29 rec., 447 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Lane Nelson, 77 tkls.; Ashton Sell, 75 tkls. Sacks: Ashton Baker, 2.5 sacks Interceptions: Sandler, Boyer, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The 2021 season saw a series of bumps in the road leading to an 0-9 record that this year’s Lions look to bounce back from. Multiple coaches, staff hires, a strong junior class that earned playing time as sophomores, and a renewed commitment to toughness are all part of the plan to bring Goddard Football back to the top of the AVCTL-II ranks. Goddard saw great success in the sub-varsity levels last year and hopes to parlay that into a bounce-back season this year and a resurgence in the 5A postseason. Despite the losses last season, the Lions are growing as a program and will have its largest team since 2010 with well over 100 players.
Tackles: Remy Stull, 61 tkls.; Carson Spray, 50 tkls.; Grayson Walburn, 42 tkls. Sacks: Will Cadoret, 2 sacks Interceptions: Remy Stull, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “This team is looking for their own identity after being in the shadows of last year’s seniors their whole lives. The team is very senior heavy and deep, although some were not on the field last year behind a loaded class. This class has only known success, but is still learning how to lead and the resposibility that comes with it.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Derrick Keys, 97 car., 274 yds., 3 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Parker Leeds, 37 rec., 617 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Bobby Trujillo, 111 tkls. Sacks: Bobby Trujillo, 2 sacks Interceptions: Fred Jackson, 3 INTs; Bobby Trujillo, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal for the 2022 season is to improve upon our previous record, contend for the Centennial League, host Week 9, and continue to grow players into great people.”
2021 Record: 8-3 / Western Athletic Conference Head Coach: Tony Crough (5th year, 20-18; 8th overall, 36-31) Assistants: Cole Cherryholmes, Kip Keeley, Mitch Harris, Kyle Hadley, Peyton Harris, Hayden Kruetzer, Nathan Hale, Vinny Walker
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Amarion Green, 9 rec., 117 yds., 1 TD Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Cole Heitmann, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Last year’s senior class had some big shoes to fill, high expectations, and dealt with the COVID-19 outbreak and protocols, but managed to overachieve and secure our fifth consecutive Regional Championship. The class included 11 all-conference players, four Metro All-Star selections, and a Shrine Bowl selection. We return four offensive starters and five defensive starters, four of which were allconference players last year. While we lost some major contributors on both offense and defense, with several starting multiple years, we have had great numbers in the weight room and we are very excited for the next wave of Wildcats to continue our program’s tradition.”
Notes: The Wildcats have similar question marks to a year ago but they were able to reload and post another winning season with all four losses by 16 points or less. The key will again be replacing a dualthreat QB. A year ago it was NW Mo. signee Jackson Miller. Now it’s graduated All-UKC QB Tyler Schultze.
EMPORIA GODDARD 2021 Record: 0-9 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II
2021 Record: 5-4 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II Head Coach: Darrin FIsher (4th year, 13-14) Assistants: Matt Busby, Lance Francis, Kris Housberg, Mike Burns, Jake Thomas, Brice Hunter, Will Bergkamp, Enrique Espinoza Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Tyner Horn, QB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Caleb Lowry, RB, 5-7, 170, Sr.; Lucas Dickman, RB, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Max Brown, RB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Tycien Biering, OL, 6-3, 280, Jr.; Mason Pfannenstiel, OL, 6-0, 250, Sr.; Nate Purkey, OL, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Tai Ho, LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Noah Stevens, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Roman Cinotto, CB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Brody Allender, DL, 5-11, 230, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Lucas Dickman, 68 car., 396 yds., 3 TDs; Max Brown, 85 car., 345 yds., 2 TDs; Caleb Lowry, 45 car., 289 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Tyner Horn, 98193, 1,145 yds., 9 TDs Receiving: Lucas Dickman, 5 rec., 31 yds. Tackles: Noah Stevens, 48 tkls. Sacks: None Ints.: Roman Cinotto, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team goals this season are to get better each game, and give ourselves a chance to make a run in the playoffs. This year’s key to success will lay heavily on our run game and ability to stop the run.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cody Miller, 129 car., 549 yds., 2 TDs; Cayden Scheuerman, 61 car., 201 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Cayden Scheuerman, 94-187, 925 yds., 7 TDs Receiving: Braylon Council, 38 rec., 469 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Mathew Moeder, 74 tkls. Sacks: None Interceptions: None Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Will have a lot of competition in key positions that will create solid depth on both sides of the ball. Underclassmen’s ability to step in will be key to our team’s success. Defensively we’ll have the largest holes to fill due to graduation.”
Notes: The Salthawks nearly pulled off the first round playoff upset over Bishop Carroll, but ultimately fell 31-28 to the Golden Eagles, one of three close losses along with a Week 2 OT game with Garden City (13-7) and Week 3 to Maize South (28-14). Speedster Noah Khokar, tall QB Nic Lange, and two experienced O-linemen will carry the offense while standout lineman Bradyn Rodriguez will lead the D Area 1105 Canterbury Dr. Hays, KS www.haysrec.org67601 Carryout, & Emporia,
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Notes: If the Lions are to redeem themselves after a winless 2021 the key will be the physicality of a big, experienced OL led by all-leaguer Ayden Giltner.
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Notes: The Tigers went 5-4 behind excellent D and consistent O, but gone are key pieces from both units. The offense lost WR Cade Friend and lineman Thomas Fleischman, both all-leaguers, while the defense says farewell to standouts Mason Levin, Trey Omli and AVCTL-II MVP Cody Hawks. The Tiger offense will carry the squad early this season behind 1,100-yard passer Tyner Horn (a WSU baseball commit) and three returning O-linemen. The threeheaded RB monster of Caleb Lowry, Lucas Dickman, and Max Brown will be potent. Lowry appeared on pace for a great season prior to a Week 2 injury.
GREAT BEND
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 80
KC-JC HARMON 2021 Record: 4-5 / Meadowlark Conference Head Coach: Andrew Wright (7th year, 22-30) Assistants: Austin Bennett, Paul Gilmore, Steve Williams, Geoff Wright, Jourdaine Smallwood, Steve Williams Jr. Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Camron Johnson, QB, 6-1, 155, Sr.; Antonio Harrison, RB, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Jayden Gordon, TE/LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Howard Peoples, WR/ DB, 6-3, 170, Jr.; Javeare’ Akande, TE/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Deavon McWashingon, RB/LB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Nathan Rios, OL/DE, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Nicky Flores, OL/DL, 6-1, 285, Jr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 81
LANSING LEAVENWORTH
Notes: Hall of Fame coach Rick Byers ended the Golden Bears’ losing streak at 23-games with a 52-0 Week 3 win over Harmon, but it would be the only win of the season as much work is still needed. In spite of the 1-8 record in his first season at Turner, Byers did see subtle improvements. Turner scored just two touchdowns in the four-game COVID shortened 2020 season and allowed at least 48 points in each loss. Last fall the Bears scored in double digits three times and allowed less than 48 points in three contests. Byers will look to improve those numbers again this fall behind eight returning starters. Honorable mention All-UKC D-lineman Peyton Waldo is back after tallying five sacks.
Notes: All-league QB Camron Johnson, all-league RB Antonio Harrison, and all-league offensive lineman Nicky Flores return to lead what could be an explosive Sabre offense. Sumner appears well positioned to battle Atchison for the Meadowlark Conference title in the first year of the new league.
KC-SUMNER ACADEMY
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are looking to get better every day, go 1-0 each week, and be playing our best football in November. We want to compete in every game. We will be a young team working hard to improve, be disciplined and balanced.”
Notes: Graduation took the final season for what was expected to be one of the most successful teams in Washington history in 2020 and six multi-season senior starters entered last fall having not played the game since their sophomore year. After a season-opening matchup with Harmon was cancelled, the Wildcats got quality wins over Sumner and Schlagle before a Week 5 loss to Wyandotte and a Week 8 one-point loss to Atchison would leave them league runner-up. The old KC-AL is now the Meadowlark Conference and fourth-year head coach Camron Smith returns a group of four multi-season senior starters and a strong group of juniors to challenge for the conference title. Junior Xavyer Powell will take the reins as QB for graduated all-league selection Savyan Powell. Jeremiah Miller (WR), Michael Lee (OL), and Jaden Selmon (DL) also return after earning all-league honors.
LIBERAL MAIZE 2021 Record: 10-3 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. I Head Coach: Gary Guzman (12th year, 75-40; 31st overall, 175-127) Assistants: Rob Helm, Rocky Helm, Victor Mercado, Jack Milanovich, JJ Milanovich, Fred Rosas, Brett Soft Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Daeshaun Carter, RB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Cole Chalashtari, OL, 6-4, 260, Jr.; Bryce Cohoon, WR, 6-2, 183, Sr.; Avery Johnson, QB, 6-3, 177, Sr.; Justin Stephens, WR, 6-2, 197, Sr.; Mason Thrush, OL, 6-2, 278, Sr.; Zach Wertz, OL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Cooper Forest, DB, 5-8, 158, Sr.; Cody Hughbanks, DB, 5-10, 172, Sr.; McKinley Joynes, DB, 5-11, 169, Sr.; Caden Miranda, DL, 6-0, 252, Sr.; Connor Padgett, LB, 6-0, 180, Sr; Peyton Ritter, LB, 5-11, 198, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Daeshaun Carter, 179 car., 1,198 yds., 16 TDs; Avery Johnson, 146 car., 1,080 yds., 22 TDs Passing: Avery Johnson, 162-296, 2,549 yds., 20 TDs Receiving: Bryce Cohoon, 40 rec., 804 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: Connor Padgett, 70 tkls.; Cody Hughbanks, 67 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Cody Hughbanks, 4 INTs; McKinley Joynes, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to advance as far as possible in the playoffs. The key to our success is executing, playing fast, playing smart, and being aggressive.”
Notes: After losing a de facto AVCTL-I title game to Derby in Week 7 (42-41), and the 5A State Championship to Mill Valley (28-14) to finish 10-3, a loaded Maize team looks to bring Gary Guzman and MHS their first state title this fall. The offense will wow fans with 4-Star QB Avery Johnson (K-State commit), standout wide receivers Bryce Cohoon (Syracuse commit) and Justin Stephens, and returning 1,200-yard rusher Daeshaun Carter back behind three experienced O-linemen. The D has a few holes, but return players at all three levels. SSeerrvviiccee Dine-in, Order online at pizzahut.com
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Notes: After one season as the head coach at Meade, where he led the Buffs to a 13-0 8-Man I State Title, Bryan Luetters makes the leap to 11-Man Class 5A football as the new head coach at Liberal where he replaces Jason Dunlap. Luetters will have his work cut out for him as he inherits a program that has found it difficult to return to its once unmatched tradition of success. Gary Cornelsen led LHS to seven consecutive title games from 1991 to 1997, going 4-3. Liberal has since struggled for the better part of two decades with just one winning season since 2006, a 6-3 finish in 2017. Luetters welcomes 10 players with starting experience including junior QB Brooks Kappelmann and three offensive linemen.
Notes: After COVID-19 led to the cancellation of the 2020 season the Harmon Hawks were able to play just six games last fall as COVID concerns led to cancellations of the first three games last fall. Harmon carries a 12-game losing streak into the 2022 season after going winless last fall and losing the final six games of the 2019 season. Last fall was particularly challenging as the Hawks went scoreless and lost all six contests by at least 52 points. The Hawks were outscored a combined 372-0 on the year. Keith O’Neal takes over as head coach this fall and has high expectations thanks to the return of 11 players with starting experience. Even with that experience the Hawks will still be quite young with only four of those returners in the Class of 2023. Junior kicker/punter/linebacker Carlos Gallardo is the lone returning player that earned all-league recognition last season after receiving honorable mention for his work as a specialist.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Antonio Harrison, 1,100 yds. Passing: Camron Johnson, 940 yds. Receiving: N/A Tackles: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Goal for this season is to try and get better each day. I know it’s cliche to say that, but we need to get better each day after August 15th. We need some of our seniors to step up into leadership roles and build on last year’s senior class success. Our first goal is to compete for a league title in the new Meadowlark Conference. Also, to compete in the postseason in 5A. The key to this season is to stay healthy. We will need some new starters, particularly up front on the offensive and defensive line, to gain experience early and try to mold into a productive unit. We will need our returning skill kids to keep producing at a high level and to grow into good leaders to help lead some talented young RBs, WRs and DBs.”
Offense: Balanced Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Brooks Kappelmann, QB, Jr.; Zayden Martinez, WR/HB/FS, Jr.; Izzy Rotolo, WR, Sr.; Hudson Rice, OL, So.; Peyton Morlen, OL, Jr.; Erek Lira, TE/DE, Jr.; Mack Bradford, OL, Sr.; A.B. Amador, WR, Sr.; Trystian Juaraez, LB, Sr.; Alex Schwindt, CB, So.; Ivan Moreno, LB, Jr.
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2021 Record: 0-6 / Meadowlark Conference Head Coach: Keith O’Neal (1st year) Assistants: Alvis Coy, James Cooper, Mike Carpenter, Steven Offense:May Power Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Julian Bush, OL, 5-10, 280, Jr.; Humberto Pardo, OL, 5-10, 290, Sr.; Wathig Ramos, RB/LB, 5-7, 175, Jr.; Gabriel Rodriguez, WR/DB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Willie Hill, WR, 5-10, 170, So.; Trevon Lawson, WR, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Kendall Hamilton, DE/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Steven Mills, DB, 5-8, 170, Jr.; Carlos Gallardo, LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Armando Hernandez, DL, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Cyrus Young, DE, 6-1, 190, So. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to win the Meadowlark Conference title and compete for a State Championship.”
Notes: In a surprise move, KC-Piper parted ways with head coach Rick Pollard after four seasons and now he heads up the road to take over for Dylan Brown at Lansing. Pollard, formerly an assistant at Mill Valley, went 21-19 at Piper, including a 7-4 finish last fall, while Brown went 16-20 in his four seasons leading the Lions, including a 2-7 finish in 2021. Lansing moves back up to 5A this season after a two-year stint in 4A. Pollard inherits a team that graduated a pair of outstanding players in Caden Crawford, now playing D-line at the University of Iowa, and All-State defensive back Richie Patrick (6 INTs). Pollard does get back leading rusher Ty Butler and third leading tackler Christian Ramirez to provide a pair of contstants on each side of the ball. The Lions’ schedule is made up of league schools, including new UKC additions Topeka Seaman and Topeka West, except for a Week 7 matchup with consistent 6A winner Manhattan. The game with the Indians, and a contest with Basehor-Linwood the week prior are tough back-to-back contests.
KC-TURNER KC-WASHINGTON 2021 Record: 3-5 / Meadowlark Conference Head Coach: Camron Smith (4th year, 9-8) Assts.: Kenneth Lawrie, Clinton McFadden, Derek Jones Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: John Ross, RB/LB, Sr.; Jaden Selmon, OL/DL, Sr.; Michael Lee, OL/DL, Jr.; Daniel Ortegon, OL/DL, Sr.; Xavyer Powell, QB/WR, Jr.; Jaquery Williams, DB/QB, Jr.; Jeremiah Miller, WR/ DB, Sr.; Devan Harris, OL/DL, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: John Ross Passing: None Receiving: Jeremiah Miller, 14 rec., 256 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Jaquery Williams, 45 tkls. Sacks: Michael Lee, Xavyer Powell, 2 sacks ea. Ints.: Jeremiah Miller, Jaquery Williams, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We would like to win the league again. We won it in 2019, and lost it last year to Atchison by one point. We would also like to win the first playoff game in team history.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Eddie McLaughlin, 148 car., 1,031 yds., 11 TDs Passing: Eddie McLaughlin, 61-136, 1,248 yds., 12 TDs Receiving: Alexander Finn, 18 rec., 374 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Jacob Robinson, 77 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Jacob Robinson, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to gain experience in a hurry on defense. We will need a lot of guys to step up as we graduated nine starters. Offensively, we hope to take care of the ball and be more consistent. Our success will depend on how quickly we can get used to the speed of a varsity game as we have many projected starters with little varsity experience.”
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2021 Record: 4-5 / Western Athletic Conference Head Coach: Bryan Luetters (1st year; 2nd overall, 13-0) Assistants: Trace Haskell, Nick Zimmerman, Lawson Luetters, Ryan Peroo, Wyatt Seidl, Travis Martinez, Tommy McClure, Eric Olmstead
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2021 Record: 2-7 / United Kansas Conference Head Coach: Rick Pollard (1st year; 5th overall, 21-19) Assistants: James Thompson, Brad Gourley, Mason Beach, Hector Porter, Suny Gnuthake, George Shannon, Cole Swanwick Offense: Spread Defense: Four-Man Front Returning starters: Caden Howell, WR/DB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Ty Butler, RB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Jamale Williams, DL/OL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Adrian Spencer, DB/WR, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Christian Ramirez, LB, 5-10, 215, Sr.
2021 Record: 1-8 / United Kansas Conference Head Coach: Rick Byers (2nd year, 1-8; 27th overall, 193-100) Assistants: Jeff Lynch, Jesse Smallwood, Pat Harris, Michael Levy, Cruz Gallegos, Lucas Lunch, Greg Berg Offense: Pro I Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Peyton Waldo, OL/DL, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Donovan Moore, WR/CB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Angel Madrid, RB/FS, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Xavier Wimer, C/ LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Landon Oliver, RB/DE, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Aaron Enamorado, LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Jerrick Brown, OL/DL, 6-0, 200.; Diego Castillo, WR/FS, 5-9, 160, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Angel Madrid, 27 car., 107 yds. Passing: None Receiving: Donovan Moore, 11 rec., 97 yds. Tackles: Xavier Wimer, 47 tkls. Sacks: Peyton Waldo, 5 sacks Interceptions: Donovan Moore, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals to take the next step. Our numbers and commitment will be good. (We must) continue to become better students of the game. Also, we must increase our overall physicality.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Ty Butler, 80 car., 518 yds., 1 TD Passing: N/A Receiving: Caden Howell, 5 rec., 88 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Christian Ramirez, 46 tkls. Sacks: Jamale Williams, 1 sack Interceptions: None Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to improve everyday. Key to our success will be learning and implementing a new system.”
2021 Record: 5-4 / United Kansas Conference Head Coach: Sean Sachen (4th year, 12-14; 12th overall, 26-74) Assistants: Steve Short, Gary Soske, Pat McCollim, Drew Sachen, Anthony Payton, Jason Barnes, Justin Bode, RJ Suttles Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Eddie McLaughlin, QB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Jacob Robinson, FS, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Xander Finn, WR, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Sam Curtis, LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Zach Eagle, OL, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Nolan Norburto, OL, 6-1, 235, Jr.; Xavier Strickland, RB, 6-0, 175, Jr.
Notes: The Pioneer offense should be in capable hands thanks to the return of quaterback Eddie McLaughlin (Missouri Western offer) and receiver Alexander Finn. The senior duo are both entering at least their third season as starters. McLaughlin earned honorable mention All-UKC last season after piling up over 2,200 yards of total offense and accounting for 23 total touchdowns. Finn now has 27 total catches in the last two seasons. Junior Xavier Strickland adds another rushing threat in the backfield. The defense will need to rebuild after graduating nine starters. Defensive back Jacob Robinson will be looked to for leadership after he posted 77 tackles and three interceptions last fall.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Trystian Juarez, 51 car., 273 yds., 1 TD Passing: Brooks Kappelmann, 71-164, 1,143 yds., 10 TDs Receiving: Zayden Martinez, 20 rec., 249 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Trystian Juarez, 83 tkls. Sacks: Trystian Juarez, 1 sack Interceptions: Zayden Martiznez, 2 INTs.
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Notes: As predicted, Evan Cantu took on a much bigger role in the offense last year, rushing for 2,107 yards and 26 TDs on 275 carries. Now, the offense will retool after the Shrine Bowl running back moves on to K-State and significant chunks of the offensive line are also lost to graduation. The Mavericks do return a group of quality receivers led by junior Sammy Dresie and sophomore QB Taton McNew is expected to distribute the ball effectively. The D-line also took some big hits from graduation but multi-season starting linebacker Conner Neill is back to provide leadership and production.
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2021 Record: 6-4 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. I Head Coach: Brent Pfeifer (14th year, 91-42) Assistants: Justin Burke, Tom O’Connor, Rick Craig, Alan Collier, Shane Harden, Andy Curtis, Mitch Butterfield, Aaron Finck, Dane McDonald Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Karsten Shields, OL, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Ryan Kindt, OL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Braedan Winter, WR, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Jeron Askren, WR, 6-3, 205, Jr.; Sammy Dresie, WR, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Braxton Bigley, RB, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Taton McNew, QB, 6-2, 180, So.; Connor Neill, LB, 6-1, 215, Sr.; Jacob Gnagy, DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Xander Dossey, DL, 6-0, 185, Jr.
Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Kenyon McMillan, RB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Mason Clark, OL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Kaleb Marshall, OL, 5-10, 260, Sr.; Dez Gibson, WR, 6-3, 160, Jr.; Addison Branstetter, OL, 6-1, 230, Sr.; Trevon Cole, LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Avery Richardson, DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.
Head Coach: Mark Sandbo (5th year, 20-18) Assistants: Mark Sandbo, Mark Vaughn, Derryl Hill, Brian Kavanagh, Tony Chesney, Kelvin McCoy, Josh Anguaiano, Lars Lueders, Richard Brake, Austin
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Draven Pipkin, RB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; RJ Dominick, LB, 6-5, 220, Sr.; James Newton, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Brandon Richardson, LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Luke Metcalf, QB/WR, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Carter Meek, OL, 6-1, 275, Jr.; Keanu Tiafau, DL, 6-0, 230, Jr.; Noah Anderton, LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Mark Debiak, DL, 6-4, 235, Jr.; Kasey O’Neal, DL, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Cole Rodden, OL, 5-11, 230, Jr.
Notes: The Broncos started last season on an eight-game win streak before losing two of their last three games, including a 35-7 second round playoff loss to Aquinas. Veteran head coach Jason Feeback bids farewell to versatile athlete Zach Knowlton and quarterback Fletcher Pankey, along with seven other all-league selections lost to graduation, but 11 total starters return to help the Broncos battle for a second consecutive Frontier League title and a postseason push. All-league running back Draven Pipkin returns to carry the offense while a new group of skill players develops. An experienced defense welcomes back seven starters from a squad that allowed 14 points or less in six of the team’s eight victories last season.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: James Hulse Passing: Colby Gomez Receiving: Isaac Klug Tackles: Brody Harper Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are very optimistic about this season. Being the first year at Newton, we have had good numbers this summer. Our seniors have been doing a great job of leading, with the underclassmen following their lead. As we move forward to the first day of practice, we’ve been working very hard to be prepared for the start of the season.”
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are focused and poised to make a run in 5A this season. Several returning senior and junior players got a ton of experience last season. Seniors need to step up and become the leaders of our program. Offensively we return seven starters and five on defense. After three Regional Championships in a row, we hope to take our program farther than it has ever gone.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Ian Andalon, 104 car., 374 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Weston Fries, 124-292, 1,594 yds., 13 TDs Receiving: Te’Jon McDaniel, 36 rec., 506 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Luke Simpson, 62 tkls. Sacks: Peyton Augustine, 1 sack Interceptions: Garrett Aills, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We suffered through so many injuries and COVID stuff (last year) we got a lot of our underclassmen a ton of experience. We return 14 kids on offense that started at least one game. Defensively we return 10 kids who started at least one game. We feel like we have some nice talent both in the skill positions and on the lines and obviously we have a ton of experience. We’ve had an excellent offseason, the best in a very long time. We’ll have good numbers out and our kids are very excited for August.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Draven Pipkin, 710 yds., 11 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Brandon Richardson, 44 tkls. Sacks: Brandon Richardson, 3 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to win the league and win State. To be successful we will need to establish consistency early as we roll into this season.”
Offense:KingsburySpread
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Notes: The back-to-back-to-back 5A Champs continues to match Derby as the state’s top football program after winning their fifth title in seven years. With 12 total starters back don’t look for that to change anytime soon. The D-line duo of Truman Griffith and Grant Rutkowski will again harass opposing QBs after combining for 18 sacks in 2021.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Sammy Dresie, 26 rec., 504 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Conner Neill, 70 tkls. Sacks: Conner Neill, 1 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will have a lot of youth on the field. Our goal will be to be better each day, continue to learn, and be prepared for our best games to happen in November. We must be unselfish and positive as we learn during the season. We will only be ready for postseason play with daily improvement and a strong team unity.”
Head Coach: Anthony Orrick (8th year, 24-46) Assistants: Brandon Hawks, Brett Becker, Justin Barlett, Dustin Barnes, Ken Braden Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning starters: Dylan Dunn, QB, Jr.; Brett Sawaya, OL/DL, Sr.; Thomas Ippolito, OL/DL, Sr.; Brent Gillis, OL/DL, Jr.; Sam Swickard, WR, Sr.; Parker Smith, RB, Sr.; Hank Phillips, TE, Sr.; Trey Thomas, DB, Jr.; Emmitt Peters, FS, Jr.; Landon Christiansen, SS, Jr.; Connor Falkner, LB, Sr.; Tate Everard, FS/WR, Jr.; Joseph Lochner, LB/DL, Sr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 83
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2021 Record: 12-1 / Sunflower League Head Coach: Joel Applebee (13th year, 103-35) Assistants: Drew Hudgins, Mike Strack, Josh Barnes, Matt Best, Reece Petty, Tim Thomas, Gene Wier
2021 Record: 6-4 / Independent Head Coach: Josh Lattimer (1st year) Assistants: Matt Butler, Matt Caughn, Trevor Elliot, Andrew Brennon, A.J. Terry, Jose Speer, Kip Whiteley, Garrett Wilson, Rob Cummings
2021 Record: 8-2 / Frontier League Head Coach: Jason Feeback (8th year, 30-34; 12th overall, 53-49) Assistants: Morgan Abel, Bem Gehring, Brian Hogan, Travis Huseman, Nic Madelen, Curt Myers, Alex Winkler
2021 Record: 2-7 / Ark Valley Chisholm Trail, Div. I Head Coach: Greg Slade (1st year) Assistants: Eric McCormack, Tad Remsberg, Erik Dobbins, Jon Adkins, Joe Winfield, Evan Gilbert, Fred Schmidt, James Pfannenstiel, Dan Dawdy Offense: Spread Defense: N/A Returning starters: Ricky Parga, DL, 5-9, 260, Sr.; Collin Hershberger, K, 5-7, 140, Sr.; Max Masem, OL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Rio Gomez, OG, 6-0, 270, Sr.; Nick Ruth, OT, 6-5, 245, Jr.; Jayden Woods, OT, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Cam Carr, WR, 5-5, 120, Sr.; Isaac Klug, WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Ryan Ruggiero, WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; James Hulse, RB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Colby Gomez, QB, Jr.; Brody Harper, LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Justin Zerger, LB, Jr.; Landon Pfannenstiel, LB, 6-0, 189, Jr.; Jackson Marlar, DL, 6-2, 280, Jr.; Caden Livesay, DL, 6-0, 230, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Jackson Turnbull, 21 tkls. Sacks: Jackson Turnbull, 2 Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal for this year is to give our best effort until the clock reads 00:00. Play for our teammates, families, community, and make the past players of the program proud.”
SALINA
Notes: With the graduation of a great senior class, including players like QB Parker Kavanagh, safety Jaxon Kolzow and linebacker Nick Clayton, the Mustangs will need to grow up fast and could take some lumps early. Speedy weapon Kenyon McMillan is likely to carry more of the offensive load and fortunately has a trio of experienced O-linemen back. All-league LB Trevon Cole is back to lead the D.
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Weston Fries, QB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Te’Jon McDaniel, WR/DB, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Garrett Aills, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Kreighton Modrow, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Carson Power, WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Drew Emerson, WR, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Seth Clemmer, RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Ian Andalon, RB/DB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Kaden Budke, FB/LB, 5-11, 205, Jr.; Jose Felguerez, OL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Jesse Vorarath, OL, 6-6, 295, Sr.; Jorge Franco, OL, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Derrick Vargas, OL, 5-11, 240, Jr.; Brayden Fencl, OL, 6-1, 235, Jr.; Luke Simpson, LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Alex Davidson, LB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Peyton Augustine, DE, 5-11, 190, Sr.
Notes: After 21 years coaching the Pittsburg Purple Dragons – the last 11 of those as head coach – Tom Nickelson resigned this January to spend more time with family and assistant Josh Lattimer was promoted to head coach. Nickelson was 71-36 as head coach at Pittsburg, including a 6-4 mark last fall. Lattimer, a Fort Scott native, was hired in May of 2021 as the strength and conditioning coach after serving as D-line coach at Pitt State since 2017. Prior to coaching with the Gorillas he served as D-Coordinator at Northeastern State in Tahlequah, Okla., spent a season as the head coach at Ellsworth (Iowa) Community College and also had stops as an assistant at Hutchinson Community College, Fort Scott High School, and Pitt State. He inherits a roster depleted by graduation, but some experience on the front line will help as new skill players develop. Jackson Turnbull is a player to watch at D-end.
2021 Record: 4-7 / Eastern Kansas League
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: Dylan Dunn, 2,587 yds., 19 TDs Receiving: Sam Swickard, 21 rec., 446 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Ints.: Emmit Peters, Trey Thomas, 4 INTs ea.
Notes: Another brutal EKL schedule yielded another playoff push for Blue Valley Southwest and veteran Timberwolf coach Anthony Orrick believes this is the season his team can put it all together. His confidence is due in large part to the return of standout QB Dylan Dunn after the 2024 signal caller threw for 2,600 yards and 19 TDs last season as a sophomore. Dunn will need to cut down on INTs this season after throwing 10 last fall, but the return of three O-linemen, a tight end, and a couple of receivers will help. The back of the D is a strength. CENTRAL SALINA SOUTH SHAWNEE-MILL VALLEY SPRING HILL
2021 Record: 7-3 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II
Notes: Numerous multi-season starters return to help South try and win more than three games for the first time since 2015.
Notes: The architect of program builds at Rose Hill – where he won a State Title – and Campus, Greg Slade now takes over at Newton, and returns significant experience to help the Railers try to post their first season with more than three wins since a 5-5 finish in 2013. With talented athletes like Colby Gomez (QB), Isaac Klug (WR), and James Hulse (RB), back to work behind a big O-line, and similar experience back on D, the Railers could be tough.
Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Mike Fernandez, OL/DL, 6-2, 290, Sr.; Ayden Davis, OL, 5-10, 225, Jr.; Jackson Turnbull, TE/DE, 6-5, 230, Sr.; Jackson McKechnie, K/P, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Ethan Rhodes, RB/LB, 5-8, 150, Sr.
Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Mikey Bergeron, DB, Sr.; Noah Coy, LB, Sr.; Hayden Jay, QB, Sr.; Dylan Massey, DB, Sr.; Grant Rutkowski, DL, Sr.; Broc Worcester, LB, Sr.; Tristan Baker, RB, Jr,; Truman Griffith, DL, Jr.; Ty Marsh, OL, Sr.; Jack Melvin, OL, Sr.; Spencer Vaka, OL/DL, Sr.; Mason Kemp, OL, Jr.; Blake Neis, OL, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Tristan Baker, 99 car., 562 yds., 9 TDs; Hayden Jay, 117 car., 449 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Hayden Jay, 131-200, 2,343 yds., 27 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Broc Worcester, 94 tkls.; Mikey Bergeron, 91 tkls. Sacks: Truman Griffith, 10.5 sacks; Grant Rutkowski, 7.5 sacks Interceptions: Dylan Massey, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Mill Valley returns 13 starters from last year’s 5A State Championship team. Senior Hayden Jay will be back to lead the offense at quarterback. Jay started every game last season, and put up an impressive stat line of 131-200, 2,343 yds, 27 TDs, 117 car., 449 yds., 10 TDs. Seniors Preston Oliver and Tate Nekola will look to step up at the WR position to fill the void of a senior laden receiving corps from 2021. Defensively, seniors Mikey Bergeron, Holden Zigmant, Broc Worcester, and Grant Rutkowski will lead an experienced group.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kenyon McMillan, 91 car., 1,066 yds., 10 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Kenyon McMillan Tackles: Trevon Cole, Avery Richardson Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We graduated a very good and large senior class. A major concern will be how our guys handle their roles and positions having to carry a different type of load from an impact standpoint, and maybe more importantly a leadership standpoint. Our goals for the 2022 season haven’t changed. Win the Cup, win the league, and be playing November football. With limited returning starters senior leadership will be critical for our success. The incoming players that have had limited to no Friday night experience will have to adjust quickly as our expectation for what they do and what we do on both sides of the football hasn’t changed.”
2021 Record: 1-8 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II Head Coach: Sam Sellers (13th year, 57-71) Assistants: Gary Seibel, Kanean Wendell, Tyler Smith, Daniel Colton, Chris Barkley, Ernest Ballenger, Chance Clatterbuck, Charlie Lynn, DJ Weir
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2021 Record: 3-6 / United Kansas Conference Head Coach: Russell Norton (1st year) Assts.: N/A
Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Tate Blasi, WR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Zach Steven, QB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Derek Breese, RB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Henry Purvis, OL, 6-5, 285, Jr.; Nathan Barrientos, OL, 5-11, 260, Sr.; Matthew Robben, OL, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Camden Hudspeth, OL, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Jacob Racine, OL, 6-5, 265, Sr.; Luke Holthusen, WR/P, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Micahel Nance, DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Walt Gray, DE, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Cooper Buessing, DB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Reed Haneberg, DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Sam Duling, LB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Cash Ungles, LB/ DL, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Sam Hampton, DL, 5-10, 250, Jr.; Broc Eastman, DL, 5-8, 200, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jack Bloom, 188 yds. Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Bryson Vawter, 72 tkls. Sacks: Kasen Hasenkamp, 5 sacks Interceptions: Callen Barta, 5 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will look at taking the next step following a successful season. With a full year under our belt in a new system on both sides of the ball, huge improvement is expected, even though we lose a great senior class. We will be looking for guys to step up and fill key roles left by our graduating class.”
Notes: Experience on D will carry the T-Birds while a new backfield is developed to replace lost production from the graduation of Jarin Sanders. A new QB has a talented receiving corps to connect with, including a pair of athletes that earned league recognition. A strong junior class gives veteran coach Jason Swift a chance to string together a pair of quality seasons.
2021 Record: 7-3 / Greater Wichita Athletic League Head Coach: Dusty Trail (6th year, 43-13) Assistants: Jim Nance, Josh Mans, Michael Laubhan, Brad Carey, Phil Blanton, Chris Jaax, Aaron Havlovic, Drew Rhoades, Mike Gann, Jonathan Dravis, Chris Endress, Trent Arion, Austin Theis, Tyler Skilling
Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Malachi Berg, QB, Sr.; Quahyton Acquaye, ATH/LB; Xavier Alexander, ATH/ LB, Sr.; Cinai Anderson, ATH/S; Jace Banks, ATH/ DB; Josiah Bidwell, OL/DL; Drake Coffman, ATH/ LB; Eadrian Cooper, OL/DL; Carlos Hernandez, DB/ATH; Zach Hulse, ATH/DB; Senobio Hibler, RB/ LB, Sr.; Kamen Jones, WR, Sr.; Mason Jones, ATH; Khamsok Phommasane, LB; Vincent Redmond, OL/ DL; Kyrece Robinson, OL/DL; Kris Thomas, OL/DL
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: None Receiving: Tate Blasi, 25 rec., 340 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: N/A Sacks: Walt Gray Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The Golden Eagles return nine offensive starters that started games during some point in the season last year, many starting all year. The defense returns eight players that started in games last season off of a 7-3 team. The returning experience on both sides of the ball will be invaluable and will help provide leadership to the rest of the team. The key, as always, will be to develop depth out of the younger players.”
2021 Record: 0-9 / Meadowlark Conference Head Coach: Jermaine Monroe, Sr. (2nd year, 0-9; 8th overall, 41-35) Assistants: Lashad Buffett, Jason Garland, Jermaine Savage, Shiloah Hutsen, Ruben Offense:Bulgin Gun Wing Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Tre Richardson, WR/DB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Tyrell Reed, RB/LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Kei’Juan Johnson, QB/SS, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Ay’Dren Drew, WR/ DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Jerome Toussaint, DT, 6-2, 315, Jr.; Gabe Davis, OL/DL, 6-6, 315, Jr.; Mackey James, RB/TE/OL/DL, 5-9, 230, Sr.; MyYeah Darr, DL, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Dakota Johnson, 5-9, 195, Sr.; Adrian Burney, 6-0, 196, OL/LB, So.; Craige Sipple, 5-11, QB/DB, So.; J’Quez Jackson, 5-10, OL/DL, Sr.; Jamon Wilson, 5-9, RB/LB, So.
2021 Record: 2-7 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II
Head Coach: Scott L’Ecuyer (5th year, 12-24; 8th overall, 17-46) Assistants: Mike Smith, Evan Hamm, Joey Craig, Jarrod Truman, Stephen Mohoney, John Johnson, Matt Willis, Trent Preheim
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Malachi Berg, 82 car., 635 yds., 8 TDs
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A
Returning Statistical Leaders
Sacks: Christian Gonzales, 3 sacks Interceptions: Jaye Jones, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “With a strong finish (5-2) to the 2021 season, the offseason has brought enthusiasm for this fall. There are several key players back that had success last season. Several of our players have had outstanding seasons in basketball and wrestling. Hopefully it will translate to further success on the football field. Last season, we platooned as a team. This season, some of our veteran players are good enough to play and contribute on both sides of the ball. The three teams joining the UKC will make it a tough game every Friday night, but we are excited to compete.”
Rushing: Nolan Bevan, 540 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Hank Welu, 662 yds., 6 TDs Receiving: Brayden Boyd, 17 rec., 174 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Cameron Bowyer, 78 tkls.; Easton Boone, 73 tkls. Sacks: Caleb Saner, Cameron Bowyer, 2 sacks ea. Interceptions: Brayden Boyd, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Key injuries coupled with a tough schedule resulted in 2-7 record in 2021. The silver lining, however, is several returning players took varsity snaps ahead of schedule. We look to capitalize on that experience this season. Offensively, we will rely heavily on three offensive lineman who starterted or played a significant amount of snaps a year ago. This includes Kaden Lampe, Avry Lewis, and Derek Truman. Defensively, the linebacking corps returns the most experience on the defensive side of the ball, including seniors Easton Boone, Cameron Bowyer and Caleb Saner.” Notes: A quality group of seniors returns to help improve on last year’s 2-7 record. Running back Nolan Bevan, one of the fastest sprinters in Kansas, appears ready for a breakout season. Linebackers Cameron Bowyer and Easton Boone will lead the defense after combining for 150 tackles a year ago, while Brayden Boyd is back as the leader of the secondary and doubles as the top returning receiver for junior quarterback Hank Welu. Graduation losses to a number of AVCTL-II schools appear to leave the league wide open and the Hornets may have the experience to contend.
Notes: In just two seasons at the helm Hall of Fame City League coach Weston Schartz has returned Kapaun to its rightful spot near the top of the league. A one-point loss to Maize in the semifinals last fall kept the Crusaders from making their first State Championship game since 1987. In 2022 the Crusaders will try to end that drought behind eight returning starters that include some of the very best players in Kansas. Tall tight end/defensive end Will Anciaux (6-7) is back for his senior season after verbally committing to play at K-State this offseason. Two-thousand yard rusher Omari Elias returns for his junior year as the featured back, while 1,100-yard passer, and fellow junior, Dylan Hamilton is back at QB to orchestrate the offense. Senior linebacker Nathan Fury returns to lead the defense and longarmed defensive end Louis Tragila is back to harass opposing quarterbacks. The key to Schartz and the Crusaders making another deep playoff run is the replacement of an offensive line that was wiped out by graduation. If they find enough bodies to fill those holes up front Kapaun will challenge Carroll and Maize for supremacy in the west side of 5A.
Notes: After five years under Ryan Kelly the Chargers turn to former Oskaloosa head coach Russell Norton to lead the program. West improved from one win in each of the prior four seasons to three last fall, the first three-win season since 2013. Back is standout quarterback Malachi Berg who has a skillset on par with some of the best quarterbacks in the state. A Week 8 overtime victory against rival Topeka High gives the Chargers momentum heading into the season. Norton helped Oskie end a 17-game losing streak in his one season with the Bears, beating McLouth 25-8 in Week eight last season.
Head Coach: Jared Swafford (2nd year, 6-4) Assistants: Mike Lincoln, Mitch McPherson, Jason Nichol, Jerrick Jorgensen, Jeff Schuh Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Jack Bloom, RB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Logan Cox, LT, 6-5, 305, Sr.; Sean Miller, C, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Kaden Jordan, RT, 6-1, 290, So.; Bryson Vawter, LB, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Callen Barta, DB, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Kasen Hasenkamp, DL, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Cam Selbach, DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.
2021 Record: 5-5 / United Kansas Conference Head Coach: Jason Swift (20th year, 88-103)
Returning Statistical Leaders
Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Israel Cervantes Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The 2022 Pioneers return multiple starters who started as sophomores and freshmen last year. Offensively our line will be a stronghold with three returning starters and a fourth that rotated. Our skilled players are very athletic but young and experienced. Defensively, we return nine of 11 starters. Our athleticism will help us make plays. We had an unusually high number of injuries last year that forced us to play many young guys early and often. All that experience and offseason grind will help us compete this season. We are hungry and ready to go.”
Notes: Former Wichita West quarterback Adam Rosentiel is back for his third year to help the Pioneers improve on 2-7 and 3-4 records the past two seasons. He’ll have plenty of experience to work with but does need to find replacements for All-State offensive lineman Tymar-dre Williams and 1,500yard rusher Zavion Parks-Clarke. Look for Israel Cervantes to lead the defense from his linebacker spot and quarterback Zahmere Jackson has the chance to emerge as a Pioneer playmaker this fall. An experienced offensive line group should help a number of new skill players develop as the Pioneers try to edge their Greater Wichita Athletic League opponents.
Receiving: Will Anciaux, 20 rec., 283 yds., 3 TDs
2021 Record: 6-4 / United Kansas Conference
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 84
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Nolan Bevan, RB, 5-6, 160, Sr.; Brayden Boyd, WR/DB, 165, Sr.; Kaden Lampe, OL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Tate Tyler, TE, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Derek Truman, OL, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Hank Welu, QB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Easton Boone, LB/DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Cameron Bowyer, LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Trace Emig, LB, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Jacob Kasselman, OLB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Caleb Saner, OLB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Rock Shomaker, OLB, 6-1, 205, Sr.
Tackles: Nathan Fury, 105 tkls. Sacks: Louis Tragila, 7 sacks Interceptions: Dominic Shibley, 2 INTs
TECUMSEH-SHAWNEE HEIGHTS TOPEKA-HIGHLAND PARK TOPEKA-SEAMAN TOPEKA WEST
Assistants: Michael Werner, Luke Coffman, William Skaggs III, Steven Block, Matt Dunkin, Braden Offense:Werner
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Tyrell Reed, 108 car., 856 yds., 5 TDs; Tre Richardson, 38 car., 674 yds., 8 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Tre Richardson, 32 rec., 523 yds., 8 TDs; Tyrell Reed, 19 rec., 314 yds., 3 TDs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have one goal...WIN! We will revisit our goals after we break the losing streak. Our senior class will the be the major key to success this season. We will lean heavily on the speed and big play ability of wide receiver Tre Richardson and running back Tyrell Reed. Kei’Juan Johnson will take snaps from center and is predicted to have a breakout season. Mackey James, Jerome Toussaint, MyYeah Darr, Isaac Shafer, and a group of sophomores will be the strength of the defense.”
Receiving: N/A Tackles: N/A
Notes: The Scots’ football struggles are well documented. They have not won a game since Week 2 of 2014. But this year, thanks to the return of a bevy of talent, and the move to a new league, HP could end the streak. After years in the Centennial League, the move to the Meadowlark Conference provides the Scots with a more competitive schedule.
2021 Record: 10-2 / Greater Wichita Athletic League Head Coach: Weston Schartz (3rd year, 18-4; 36th overall, 214-130) Assistants: Ryan Burr, Cody Peabody, Chris Bloomer, Paul Lopez, Zion Parks, Chris Poe, Aharon Geddis, Jameson Moore, Darrall Garner, Kyle Stevens, Brad Olson Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Omari Elias, RB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Will Anciaux, TE/DE, 6-7, 230, Sr.; Dylan Hamilton, QB, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Will Thengvall, WR, 6-4, 185, Jr.; Nathan Fury, LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Adrian Turner, LB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Dominic Shibley, DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Louis Tragila, DE, 6-4, 210, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Omari Elias, 303 car., 2,303 yds., 30 TDs Passing: Dylan Hamilton, 74-110, 1,077 yds., 14 TDs
TeamworkCharacterWorkEthic shawneesheriff.org
Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Potential starters: Dristyn Kelley, OL/DL, 6-4, 220; Kobey Figures, RB//DL, 5-10, 240; Tray’shun Higgins, DB/WR, 5-10, 160; Anthony Reyes, WB/ DB, 5-10, 165; Mencali En, LB, 5-10, 190; Brandon Busher, DB/WR, 5-9, 160; Jesse Hardyway, RB/DB, 5-9, 165; Zahmere Jackson, QB, 5-10, 165; Israel Cervantes, LB/OL, 5-11, 200; Rychous Richard, DB/WR, 5-11, 165; Izaiah Berry, DL/OL, 5-10, 265; James Moore, OL/LB, 5-10, 215; Jesse Villanueva, OL/DE, 6-1, 215; Rashad West, TE/LB, 5-11, 190; Ronnie Whitehead, DL, 5-11, 345; Brycen James, OL, 6-2, 300
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jacob Malcom, 15 car., 97 yds., 1 TD Passing: Jacob Malcom, 1-1, 11 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Jacob Malcom, 31 rec., 315 yds., 4 TDs; Jayden Moore, 28 rec., 385 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Christian Gonzales, 56 tkls.; Alex Dittman, 53 tkls.
VALLEY CENTER WICHITA-BISHOP CARROLL WICHITA-KAPAUN MT. CARMEL WICHITA-WEST
Passing: Malachi Berg, 80-125, 937 yds., 6 TDs
1-Back Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Gavin Zuperku, OL, Sr.; Rykan Carver, OL, Jr.; Jacob Malcom, WR, Jr.; Jayden Moore, WR., Jr.; Jayden Holly, WR, Jr.; Sean Wunder, LB, Sr.; Jaye Jones, S, Sr.; Jayden Berry, DB, Sr.; Christian Gonzales, NG, Jr.; Alex Dittman, LB, Jr.
Notes: Coach Jared Swafford got a good start in his first year as the head coach of the Vikings going 6-4 behind a talented senior class, but for the second consecutive season a potential playoff run ended in heartbreaking fashion at the hands of a Blue Valley SW team holding a losing record. Gone are athletes Casen Stallbaumer (Emporia St.), Camden Barta (Emporia St.), and Kaden Ireland (Indy CC), and standout lineman Tony Wadkins (Friends), but eight starters return to help Sawfford post a second consecutive winning season. The offensive line and defense will carry the Vikings early as new skill players develop. Callen Barta, Bryson Vawter, and Kasen Hasenkamp provide a trio of quality defenders at each level of the D. Seaman leaves the Centennial this season to compete in the United Kansas Conf.
Notes: A loaded Carroll squad will likely contend with Kapaun and Maize on the western side of the 5A playoff bracket, and will avoid Northwest, who returns to 6A. Seventeen starters are back from a Golden Eagle team that survived a first round playoff upset bid at the hands of Hutch (31-28, OT) and fell by a touchdown to eventual 5A Runner-up Maize in the second round. Sixth-year head coach Dusty Trail returns talent all over the field led by a big, physical offensive line, an athletic receiving corps, and a mobile, attacking defensive interior. Development at the running back and QB positions is the likely key to Carroll making yet another deep run in the playoffs.
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team’s key to success will be to develop a young offensive line with high potential, replace a potent kicking game, control the line of scrimmage, and win the turnover margin.”
2021 Record: 2-7 / Greater Wichita Area League Head Coach: (3rd year, 5-11) Assistants: Manny Martinez, Chaz Mack, Jason Gamble, Grant Watkins, Raymond Mitchell, Garret Heath, Jon Reyes
Andover Central has been one of the most consistent pro grams in the state over the last few years, most recently finishing 11-2 with a state title game appearance, but head coach Derek Tuttle’s roster was gutted this spring. Senior receiver/defensive backs Cooper Tabor and Mason White make whoever takes over for Kai Kunz’ (KU PWO) job easier, but with just six returning start ers total, including significant losses on both lines, the Jags will have to grow-up quickly.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 85 doesn’t tell the whole story, but Welch is key.
KC Piper graduate John Black returns to his alma mater after a number of stops in his 24-year coaching career and takes over a Piper team with several pieces back from last year’s 7-4 team that lost multiple nail biters. Senior K-State commit, Camden Beebe, one of the top linemen in the state, will lead experienced offensive and defensive units that could make some noise in 4A.
Receiver Tucker Pelnar provides a quality target and tight end Sam Becker looks to play a bigger role in the offense this fall. Linebacker Javyn Alexander returns to lead the D, but Becker is the lone returner on a D-line hit hard by graduation. A very good Mulvane team graduated standouts Mason Ellis and Hunter Seirer from a breakout 8-3 team, but nine starters re turn to try and continue the winning ways.
Wamego QB Hayden Oviatt (Army commit) is a high motor guy that has put up serious production in the last couple years, most recently a 3,005 yard season passing and rushing with 45 TDs. He gets multiple receivers back from last season and is backed by a strong defensive unit led by senior linebacker Grant Larson. Augusta, Circle, and Winfield also return significant experience.
ST. JAMES ACADEMYTOMCOACH,RADKE KANSAS PREGAME CLASS 4A PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. St. Thomas Aquinas 2. St. James Academy 3. Bishop Miege 4. McPherson 5. Others:ChanuteArkCity, Andover Central, Atchison, Buhler, Basehor-Linwood, Eudora, KC Piper, Mulvane, Wamego CLASS 4A St.. James Academy celebrated their second consecutive 4A State Championship last fall. (Photo: Jason Burritt/Bay’s Creek Photo) Team and custom apparel made for you! Proudly serving south-central Kansas for 40 years! 703 N. Buckner, Derby, KS (316) www.shirtsplusderby.com788-1550 PEAVLER ASSOCIATES
Atchison senior running back Jesse Greenly is one of the top backs in 4A after he rushed for 1,464 yards and 26 TDs during the Phoenix’ 8-2 campaign a season ago, and he gets back four of his offensive linemen from that team. The question for Atchison isn’t whether they can have regular season success, instead it’s what will happen come postseason play? Just six starters return for a Basehor-Linwood team that went 9-1 last season, but a strong foundation is always a good place to start, and the Bobcats have that in their three returning O-linemen starters, junior Sam Lough, and seniors Levi Cooley and Logan Gall. Senior LB Gage Greer is their top returning defensive player after recording 44 tackles and two sacks a season ago.
The Buhler Crusaders graduated a spectacular class including AllState running back and linebacker Sam Elliott, All-State tight end and defensive end Bo Van Bruggen, first team All-AVCTL III quarterback Bradley Neill (Hutch CC baseball), and first team All-AVCTL III defensive backs Diante and Cameron Campbell. Veteran coach Steve Warner has shown a propensity to reload, but with just five starters returning his work is cut out for him. Eudora was a bit of a misleading 6-5 team last season, with four of those losses by a TD or less, and their fifth and final loss in the playoffs against Miege by two possessions. The Cardinals boast a talented defense led by a trio of 80-plus tacklers in juniors Bryalen Hoobler and Kole Manley, and senior Kale Hammerschmidt.
McPherson’s string of four straight semifinal appearances ended with an 18-16 second round playoff loss to Mulvane, but coach Jace Pavlovich welcomes back plenty of talent to help the Bullpups make another playoff push. The offense should hum this season behind three returning O-linemen, 1,600-yard pass er Hunter Alvord, and two-time 1,000-yard rusher Jaytin Gumm.
By Keegan McCullick & John Baetz, Kansas Pregame With the move of private school power St. Thomas Aquinas to 4A after years as a 5A team, the classification now features three of the very best private school programs in the state, with all three capable of challenging for championships in any of the state’s three largest classifications. After five years of Bishop Miege ruling 4A, St. James Academy posted their second consecutive 4A championship win last November and the pair again appear equipped to make deep playoff runs. The Thunder took a bit of a hit when standout quar terback Jackson House transferred to the Dunham School in Louisiana, but a loaded defense led by All-State senior defensive lineman Wade Spencer, who had a 79 tackle, 13.5 sack perfor mance last season, should help stabilize an offense with a few question marks. Senior receiver John Niesen and three O-line starters will also help the learning curve for new starting QB Ben Wheeler, younger brother of K-State tight end Sammy Wheeler. While Bishop Miege took a backseat to St. James as 4A’s top football program over the last couple of season, the Stags are still really, really good. Senior QB Mac Armstrong proved his surname accurate last season, throwing for 2,650 yards and 21 TDs. He gets back three starting O-linemen, along with senior tight end Daegan Jensen and senior receiver Tommy Wright, who caught 52 passes for 581 yards and six scores last season. Defensively, replacing D-end Collin Williams and linebacker Jake Welsh are tough tasks, but the Stags always seem to find the next guy up. The last portion of the new three-headed EKL monster in 4A, St. Thomas Aquinas, returns 14 starters from 2021s 7-5 5A semifi nalists. All-State fullback Sean Carroll, who hammer-headed his way to 1,608 yards and 298 carries last fall, returns to the back field. Finding replacements for Lee’s Summit North (Mo.) trans fers Maxxwell Ford (QB) and Sa’o Siavi’i (DL) poses a challenge, but a stockpile of depth and the proven coaching chops of Randy Dreiling, will make the Saints a tough matchup in 4A. After going 8-2 in 2021, Chanute returns a dangerous offense led by senior QB Eric Erbe, high-motor senior running back Ty Leedy, junior receiver Kaiden Seamster, and senior tight end Dagen Dean. Erbe spread the ball around for 1,718 yards passing last year, while Leedy gained 1,150 yards on the ground. The lines on both sides of the ball will need to gain vital experience quickly, and depth is also a potential issue, but with a strong core group of upperclassmen, the Blue Comets are know how to win. With Gabe Welch healthy, Ark City has been a tough matchup for any opponent over the last two seasons. The senior QB has 25 letterwinners returning around him, including one of his favorite targets in se nior Cadon Clark. Given the rollercoaster this program has been through over the last two years, their 3-6 record last season “The St. James football team always focuses on improving everyday and finishing every play. Our season goal is to win the EKL and back-to-backto-back State Championships.”
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Notes: The Grizzlies took their lumps last fall allowing at least 42 points five times and scoring in double digits just thrice. Veteran coach Sean Price welcomes back 14 starters determined to end LC’s losing streak at 11 games. Junior QB Kendall Holtzman is back to lead the offense after passing for 1,400 yards and five TDs as a sophomore. He’ll have top target Griffon Eaton (55 rec., 565 yds.) back for his senior season. Senior LB Cody Hambelton is will lead the defense while humongous sophomore nose tackle (6-4, 300) Chris Stephens will clog the middle.
Notes: Highland Park joins the other members of the Kansas City-Atchison League to form the new Meadowlark Conference this fall. After going 8-2 last year, and with nine returning starters, Atchison will be the heavy favorite in the new league race. The question for veteran coach Jim Smith is whether or not the league schedule will prepare the Phoenix to make a run in the 4A playoffs. All-State senior running back Jesse Greenly, and a talented group of non-seniors, will give the Phoenix a chance to be good, but a Week 7 game with Perry-Lecompton should provide a good gauge for season’s progress.
2021 Record: 0-9 / Southeast Kansas League Head Coach: Sean Price (8th year, 26-40; 19th overall, 87-85) Assistants: Bradley Argabright, John Mangan, Davie Brown, Tanner Russell, Richard Pierce, Mike Hayward, TJ Mayhew, Blake Lacey Offense: Spread Defense: 3-5 Returning starters: Kaden Blackledge, WR, 5-10, 150, So.; Kendall Holtzman, QB, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Matthew Boyle, WR, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Griffon Eaton, WR, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Tray Vinson, WR, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Clayton Wager, OLB, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Cody Hambelton, ILB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Kade Cumutte, OLB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Hunter Schaplowshy, DL, 5-10, 170, Sr.; John Broadwell, OL, 5-11, 210, So.; Kendall Bebb, OL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Glen Price, OL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Chris Stephens, NT, 6-4, 300, So.; Roper Whittley, LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.
2021 Record: 9-1 / United Kansas Conference Head Coach: Rod Stallbaumer (9th year, 62-23; 18th overall, 128-51) Assistants: Brian Lohafer, Ron Barnes, Zach Livingston, Harrison Taylor, Connor Thierolf, Brandon Duff, Gary Pugh, Chris Kerschen, Ryan Heffley, Craig Brown
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Notes: The Cowboys losing streak now stands at 25 straight games dating back to Week 9 of the 2018 season, but a closer look reveals subtle improvement in the second season under former Shawnee Heights defensive coordinator Brad Nicks. In the COVID shortened 2020 season the Cowboys were shut out in four of six contests and scored just 26 points total. Last fall the Cowboys were shut out just one time in nine games. In 2020 AHS allowed at least 42 points in all six games and last fall they held four of nine opponents to 42 points or less. In 2020 the Cowboys scored 12 or more points twice in six games. Last fall they scored 12 or more points in five of nine games. This fall Nicks will look more improvement and try to break into the win column behind eight returning starters including talented junior quarterback Stocton Timbrook.
Assistants: JD Hand, Rick Neubaurer, Dawson Elliott, Brad Raine, Josh Ybarra, Cody Hager, Garan Qualls
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: Kendall Holtzman, 136-250, 1,409 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Griffon Eaton, 55 rec., 565 yds. Tackles: Chris Stephens, 35 tkls.; Cody Hambleton, 34 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We expect to compete for an SEK title every year, regardless of what we return. We lost a group of seniors that had played a lot of games, finding leadership within the remaining kids is key to our season.”
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Jeter Purdy, WR/DB, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Trey Carter, QB/FS, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Jesse Greenly, RB/LB, 5-10, 218, Sr.; Ethan Watson, OL/DL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Brendan Martin, WR/TE/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Lavonte McGowan, DL/OL, 6-0, 235, Jr.; Jaden Carter, LB, 5-11, 200, So.; Landen Bell, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, So.; Todd Daniels, OL/DL, 5-9, 220, Sr.; Adam Molt, DB/WR, Sr.; Aidan Battle, K/WR, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jesse Greenly, 161 car., 1,464 yds., 26 TDs Passing: Trey Carter, 18-40, 313 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: Jesse Greenly, 5 rec., 62 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Jaden Carter, 55 tkls.; Lavonte McGowan, 36 tkls. Sacks: Ethan Watson, 4; Landen Bell, Lavonte McGowan, Todd Daniels, 2 ea. Ints.: Trey Carter, Jaden Carter, Adam Molt, Jeter Purdy, 1 ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to win the league and make a strong run in the playoffs. Our keys to success are to have a strong running game and play disciplined defense.”
2021 Record: 8-2 / Meadowlark Conference Head Coach: Jim Smith (25th year) Assistants: Steve Watkins, Josh Rebant, Pat Battle, Taylor Funk, Craig Handke, Jeff Wallace
2021 Record: 6-4 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. III Head Coach: Jason Filbeck (9th year, 41-37)
2021 Record: 0-9 / North Central Kansas League Head Coach: Brad Nicks (3rd year, 0-15) Assistants: Brad Hartman, Dan Rheingans, Mark Willey, Steve Casey, Joe Ross, Michael Broome, Alan Randles
Offense: Power Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Cooper Tabor, WR/DB, Sr. Isaac Saye, WR/LB/K/P, Sr.; Mason Sanchez, FB/LB, Sr.; Aydan Tommer, OL/DL, Sr.; Mason White, WR/DB, Sr.; Bronx Wood, OL/DT, Sr.
Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Levi Cooley, OL, 6-4, 310, Sr.; Brant Wilson, WR, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Sam Lough, OL, 6-4, 245, Jr.; Gage Greer, LB, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Kaleb Scott, DB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Logan Gall, OL, 5-9, 180, Sr.
Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Gabe Welch, QB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Wyatt Bahm, RB/OLB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Cadon Clark, WR/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Joe Thomson, OL/DL, 6-0 270, Jr.; Derek Honeycutt, OL/DL, 6-4, 285, Sr.; Justis Mosier, OL/DL, 5-9, 225, Sr.; Braden Blatchford, OL/ LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Trevor Pierce, WR/DB, 6-2,180, Sr.; Blake Bucher, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Max Mendez, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; David Metzinger, OL/ DL, 6-1, 240, Jr.; Leo Medina, OL/DL, 6-1, 225, Jr.
Notes: A close loss to an improved Circle team, and competitive games with league rivals Buhler and McPherson, leave the Orioles anxious for 2022. Veteran head coach Jason Filbeck welcomes back quality players all over the field with QB Gavin Kiser and receiver Kaden McDaniel ready for big years behind an experienced offensive line. Defensive backs Marcus Terry and Caleb Martin will join McDaniel to give Filbeck a potent secondary. Junior offensive lineman Cooper Jay could emerge as a college prospect after showing off size and physicality at events this summer. Dylen Slusser, McDaniel, Kiser, Gabe Kant, Terry, Thomas Johnson and Zander Erwin all earned league honors last year.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Zach Miller, 118 car., 258 yds. Passing: Stockton Timbrook, 80-179, 1,123 yds., 10 TDs Receiving: Brax Fisher, 21 rec., 385 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Brax Fisher, 72 tkls. Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team goals are to improve everyday, and host a Week 9 game this year. Our success will be based on our leadership from our guys with experience and how fast our younger guys can be ready for Friday night football.”
Notes: In three seasons as head coach Derek Tuttle has twice led his Jags to State Championship berths with only two losses each year. Tuttle likely has his biggest challenge ahead of him this fall after ACHS graduated a loaded class. Big men Andrew Mann (Garden City CC), Drew Daniels (Pitt State), and Isaac Sheeran (Pitt State) signed to play college football, while QB Kai Kunz accepted a PWO offer to KU and 1,000-yard rusher Ashton Barkdull will pole vault at KU. A good group of seniors will provide leadership for the many new faces with versatile receiver Cooper Tabor, defensive back Mason White, and DL Bronx Wood names to know. El Dorado transfer DB Drew Veatch should contribute as well.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cooper Tabor, 9 car., 122 yds., 2 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Cooper Tabor, 56 rec., 825 yds., 8 TDs Tackles: Mason White, 57 tkls. Sacks: Bronx Wood, 2 sacks Interceptions: Mason White, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will have a lot of personnel decisions to make this fall. We will need hungry players competing for about eight starting positions on each side of the ball. Our experience is low in many areas, so we will need to mature quickly as a team. Our desire for, and pursuit of consistency will be key. Furthermore, we must improve our self-discipline from last year as we gave opponents far too many yards on penalties.”
Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Stocton Timbrook, QB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Braden Wilson, OLB, 5-10, Sr.; Brax Fisher, WR/S, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Keaton Hargrave, WR/S, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Zach Miller, RB/LB, 5-10, 185 Jr.; Richard Ortiz, OL, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Tristan Randles, OL, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Devin Alvarez, OL, 5-9, 215, So.
Notes: After a pair of one-win seasons David Blazevic is off to an assistant role at Lawrence Free State while former Eudora and Northern Illinois standout Byron “Boomer” Mays takes over the program in his first head coaching job. Mays was a multi-year starter at NIU from 2012 to 2015 and was a multiple time All-MAC selection. The Braves graduated all-league selections Antonio Caballero, Brandin Andrew, JD Andrewjeski, Zane Clark, and Jayce Smith, but got a boost when Schlagle quarterback Kahliek Rainey transferred in for the spring semester. Rainey earned All-State recognition for his play at Schlagle last fall and is also a great track athlete. He picked up a Doane football offer in the offseason. Running back Peyton Parks earned honorable mention all-league last year as a junior after rushing for 770 yards and five touchdowns on 157 carries. He also played some snaps on defense and recorded 10 tackles and a sack. BONNER SPRINGS
2021 Record: 3-6 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jekai Harris, 54 car., 353 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Brady VanDonge, 15-19, 170 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: Brant Wilson, 35 rec., 463 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Gage Greer, 44 tkls. Sacks: Gage Greer, 2 sacks Ints.: Kaleb Scott, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “With 27 seniors graduating the Bobcats will need multiple players to step in and fill roles in 2022. The JV team went 8-0, but overall we will lack varsity experience and need some guys to step up. At QB, junior Brady VanDonge looks to continue in the long line of successful Bobcat signal callers (15-19, 170 yds., 2TDs, 1 INT). Senior RB Jekai Harris also played significant minutes as a junior and had 54 carries for 353 yards and six TDs and looks to take on the running load left by graduated record-holding RB Zack Sisemore. Brant Wilson returns with 463 receiving yards and six TDs as a junior along with Milé Hinkle (9 rec., 184 yds., 1 TD). The offensive line returns three starters. Defensively the Bobcats are hit hardest by graduation, returning only junior defensive back Kaleb Scott and senior LB Gage Greer. We will need to replace three-year starters Aidan Ingram and Sam Hicks at LB, and Dalton Harris at DL. Gage Greer returns as kicker making 86 percent of his extra-points in 2021.”
2021 Record: 11-2 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. II Head Coach: Derek Tuttle (4th year, 29-6) Assistants: Ernie Hager, Dean Taylor, Jared McDaniel, Nate Alvarez, Aren Coppoc, Fred Sims, Levi Wyrick, James Banks
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 87
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Gavin Kiser Passing: Gavin Kiser Receiving: N/A Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Kaden McDaniel Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have some holes to fill thanks to graduation but the biggest key for us will be replacing our leadership. If we can keep ourselves in games by running the ball well and tackling as a team, we think we could have a special year.”
Head Coach: Jon Wiemers (7th year, 28-35) Assistants: Eric Burrow, Anthony Whetstone, Adam Dorsey, Evan Burke, Matt Koehn, Matt McGrew, Jacob Sumpter, Nate Spencer, Aaron Hollins
Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A
Notes: Coming off their memorable late season turnaround that culminated in a 2020 title game berth, the Bulldogs faced turmoil when All-State QB Gabe Welch suffered a season-ending injury in the fifth game last season, before later dealing with the tragic reality of losing a teammate when Rhett Lathers died as a result of a car accident the evening of October 27th. Ark City forfeited their final game of the year against McPherson in response. After an offseason of coping with the tragedy, 26 lettermen return to continue Jon Wiemers’ rebuilding project in the fifth year of his second stint as the Bulldog coach.
Returning Statistical Leaders Passing: Gabe Welch, 74-113, 884 yds., 5 TDs; Cadon Clark, 41-68, 409 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Cadon Clark, 26 rec., 289 yds. Tackles: Cadon Clark, 38 tkls., Wyatt Bahm, 36 tkls. Sacks: Wyatt Bahm, 4 Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We need to be better up front and we need to stay healthy. Our main emphasis is to get started faster than what we normally do. We have been slow out of the gate and come on as the season goes. We have some tough games early that we need to compete in.”
Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Gavin Kiser, QB, 6-4, 210, Jr.; Kaden McDaniel, FS/WR, 6-5, 200, Sr.; Sam Price, WR, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Dylen Slusser, OG, 6-2, 295, Sr.; Isaiah Blackwell, Slot, 6-0, 150, Jr.; Zander Erwin, OT/DT, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Cooper Jay, C, 6-3, 290, Jr.; Gabe Kant, OT/DE, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Thomas Johnson, LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Marcus Terry, DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Caleb Martin, DB, 6-0, 180, Jr.
ATCHISON AUGUSTA BASEHOR-LINWOOD
2021 Record: 1-6 / Frontier League Head Coach: Byron Mays (1st year) Assistants: N/A
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Notes: The Stallions will play in a new classification (4A) and a new league (Meadowlark Conference) this season, but ultimately not much will change as the schedule is similar to the past and the league includes all the old Kansas City-Atchison League teams with the addition of Highland Park from Topeka. The Stallions took their lumps a year ago but showed improvement late in the season, especially on offense where they went from scoring just six points total with three shutous in their first four contests to scoring in double digits in three of their final four games, including a 24-22 Week 8 loss to league rival Wyandotte. Second year head coach Cernyn Macon welcomes back nine returning starters to help continue that improvement, including three players who earned league postseason recognition. The offense did take a hit when honorable mention All-KCAL quarterback Kahliek Rainey transferred to Bonner Springs at semester.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 88 BUHLER CHANUTE COFFEYVILLE-FIELD KINDLEY EL DORADO
2021 Record: 2-7 / Southeast Kansas League Head Coach: Deonta Wade (3rd year, 4-13) Assistants: Mark Andrews, Mike O’Connor, Jaylen Logan, James Newton, Jeremy Neuenschwander Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Amir Luten, WR/DB, 5-7, 132, Jr.; Ke’Shawn Hayes, WR/S, 5-7, So.; Amanie Luten, QB/S, 5-10, 154, Jr.; Aaron Tunstall, RB/FS, 5-9, 164, So.; Mason Lochner, WR, 5-7, 162, Sr.; Devon VIncent, OL/DL, 5-7, 162, Sr.; Samuel Garcia, LB, 5-10, 153, Sr.; Brayson Voss, LB, 5-8, 153, Jr.; Joseph Neuenschwander, FB/DL, 5-7, 185, Jr.; Mack Ghering, DB, 5-6, 152, Jr.; Bryan McDaniel, OL, 5-7, 172, Jr.; Brayden Gilfillan, OL, 6-1, 214, Jr.; Kainen White, OL/DL, 6-1, 265, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jalen Rice, 49 car., 399 yds. Passing: Gannon White, 221 yds. Receiving: Jalen Rice, 3 rec., 50 yds. Tackles: Jalen Rice, Adam Cavallaro, 51 tkls. ea. Sacks: Cole Rickard, 4 sacks Interceptions: Jalen Rice, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for the 22 season are to stay healthy, go compete in every ball game, and reach our max potential as a team.”
Notes: The Cardinals finished 6-5 last season with a quarterfinal playoff loss to Bishop Miege (21-6) to end the season, but Eudora’s final record could have been much different with all five losses by 15 points or less, including a pair of one-point losses to Louisburg (13-12) and Paola (43-42), and a threepoint loss to Piper (26-23). Assistant Drew Steffen takes over the head coaching role from Sean Hayden and he’ll have a solid roster of returners to work with including highly ranked college prospects Jaden Hamm and Jaiden Bender and a trio of defenders that recorded at least 80 tackles a year ago.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Saxton Renfro, 17 car., 178 yds. Passing: N/A Receiving: Hayden Smith, 30 rec., 526 yds. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The strength of our team this upcoming season is definitely in our offensive line where we are returning an experienced group that has a lot of varsity time under their belt. The biggest surprise for us coming in is that Easton Ewing has decided to play this upcoming season after taking a year off. He is expected to be battling for the QB spot where he started as a sophomore. Defensively, we have a solid core of guys returning with a few question marks at the linebacker position. Our goals for this year are to win the SEK and win a playoff game. I want to see our kids compete in everything they do, no matter what the outcome or situation is. Coach Black did a phenomenal job helping this program turn the corner and I hope to build off the momentum that he has started.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Ty Leedy, 133 car., 1,150 yds., 21 TDs Passing: Eric Erbe, 122-196, 1,718 yds., 25 TDs Receiving: Kaiden Seamster, 32 rec., 553 yds., 4 TDs; Dagen Dean, 23 rec., 427 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: Ty Leedy, 88 tkls. Sacks: Dagen Dean, 9 sacks Ints.: Ty Leedy, 2 INTs; Trey Dillow, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “This team returns a host of very talented players. The key to a successful season is how our senior players can lead a group of very talented underclassmen and get them ready to compete during the summer months. There will be competition at several key positions, especially the offensive and defensive lines. We have to work extremely hard to get those players ready to hit the ground running with a tough early season schedule.”
Offense: Pro Style Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Cameron Campbell, RB/LB, 6-0, 207, Sr.; Emillio Guillen, NG/OG, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Elonnie Fishback, S/WR, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Kameron Daboe, S/LB/WR, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Jayden Taylor, OG/ DT, 6-2, 280, So.; Adrian Felix, OT/DT, 6-3, 275, Sr.; Savion Ross, C/NG, 5-11, 250, So.; Dominion Moore, CB/WR, 6-1, Sr.; Vincent Carter, LB/DE, 6-0, 230, Jr.
2021 Record: 0-8 / Meadowlark Conference Head Coach: Cernyn Macon (2nd year, 0-8)
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Chase Hyer, 80 car., 345 yds., 1 TD Passing: Cal Cosens, 43-100, 601 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Cedrik Martin, 10 rec., 139 yds. Tackles: Nate Adams, 44 tkls. Sacks: Kaden Conner, 1.5 sacks Interceptions: Cal Cosens, Colton Rogers, Chase Hyer, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We expect to put a team on the field who will compete every single Friday night. A team that plays extremely hard and executes on offense and defense. Our goal every year is to win a league championship and a State Championship!”
Notes: Third year coach Deonta Wade returns a load of experience but will still be relatively young with only three of his 14 returning starters in the Class of 2023. Junior defensive lineman Kainen White is one to watch after a five sack sophomore season.
2021 Record: 1-8 / Southeast Kansas League Head Coach: Bo Graham (4th year, 9-17) Assistants: Matt Glades, Alvin Metcalf Jr., Adam Clements, Josh Messer, Jared Martin, Josh Hudiburg
2021 Record: 3-6 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. III
Notes: Veteran journeyman coach John Black returns home to take over as head coach at KC-Piper and Robert Henderson comes to Independence after one season as the head coach at Cherryvale. He inherits an experienced team whose four wins last season were the most since 2016.
Head Coach: Brandon Wise (1st year; 3rd overall, 12-10) Assistants: Joe Schrock, Drew Carney, Brett Gunderson, Randy Lemon, Micah Miller
Offense: Flexbone Triple Option Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Jaden Hamm, TE/DE, 6-5, 240, Sr.; Jaiden Bender, WR/DE, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Eythen Moore, C, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Adrion Seals, WR/DB, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Thomas Cromer, G, 6-2, 255, Jr.; Owen Wilks, T/DT, 6-0, 245, Jr.; Braylen Hoobler, Slot/LB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Kale Hammerschmidt, SS/QB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Octavius Lyles, CB/FB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Micah Barron, DT/Slot, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Kole Manley, FS/QB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Matthew Magette, LB/Slot, 6-0, 165, Jr.
2021 Record: 6-5 / Frontier League Head Coach: Drew Steffen (1st year) Assistants: Dane Hammerschmidt, Jake Lott, Ben Moeckel, Jake Tharp, Van Love, Tyler Mann
Receiving: Kameron Daboe, 228 yds. Tackles: Elonnie Fishback, 70 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Elonnie Fishback, Kameron Daboe, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to continue to develop, rely on the senior class to lead, and compete at a high level.”
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2021 Record: 8-2 / Southeast Kansas League Head Coach: Clete Frazell (4th year, 20-8) Assistants: Kent Frazell, Rusty Emling, Don Epps, Kurt Sizemore, Ethin VanAnne, Jaden Costin Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Eric Erbe, QB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Dagen Dean, WR/DE, 6-3, 205, Sr.; Ty Leedy, RB/ LB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Trey Dillow, WR/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Kaiden Seamster, WR/DB, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Bryan Jackett, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Augustus Thuston, OL/ DL, 6-5, 290, Jr.
Notes: Coach Wes Bell had a long struggling El Dorado program headed in the right direction, but in a surprising mid-spring move announced his resignation to accept a job in Missouri after three seasons leading the Wildcats. Bell’s offensive coordinator, and former Osborne head coach, Brandon Wise was promoted and will hit the ground running with a strong group of returners including allleague LB Jalen Rice, honorable mention all-league OL/LB Levi Wittenberg, and honorable mention all-league LB Cole Rickard. Wise will miss all-league senior return man and DB Drew Veatch, now at Andover Central, but seniors Adam Cavallaro and Gannon White appear poised for breakout seasons.
2021 Record: 4-5 / Southeast Kansas League Head Coach: Robert Henderson (1st year; 2nd overall, 3-6) Assistants: Ford Hall, Derek Pearson, Mike Rose, Lance Fabrizius, Matt Foreman
2021 Record: 10-2 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, DIII Head Coach: Steve Warner (17th year, 143-43; 35th overall, 261-104) Assistants: Jason Kohls, Kevin Ruda, John Neill, Robby Gray, Garrett Hotmar, Willie Adkins, Mike Zeyen, Max Heinlein
Notes: Buhler went 10-0 against everyone on their schedule not named Andover Central last season. In a Week 2 contest with the Jags the Crusaders dropped a heartbreaker 21-19 on the road. In a rematch in the state semifinals Andover Central again proved too much for BHS and dashed the Crusaders’ hopes of a State Championship berth, 4221, this time in Buhler. Graduation saw the Crusaders bid farewell to a spectacular class including All-State running back and linebacker Sam Elliott (5,172 career rushing yards, three-time state wrestling champion), All-State tight end and defensive end Bo Van Bruggen (Fort Hays State football signee), first team All-AVCTL III quarterback Bradley Neill (Hutch CC baseball), and first team All-AVCTL III defensive backs Diante and Cameron Campbell. Veteran coach Steve Warner has shown a propensity to reload over the years, but with just five full-time starters returning his work is cut out for him. Fortunately for Warner the bulk of that experience is up front and includes four players who earned postseason honors a year ago.
EUDORA FORT SCOTT
Notes: Not surprisingly, the Tigers found it hard to replace graduated 2020 Southeast Kansas League Player of the Year Malachi Vann and fell from 7-1 in 2020 to 1-8 last fall. While the Tigers were able to defend well at times, the offense struggled, scoring more than eight points in a game only three times, with four shutouts. Even in the three games they scored in double digits it was never more than 22 points. Fourth year head coach Bo Graham welcomes back eight returning starters to help reverse those fortunes. A trio of returning starters along the offensive line will block for quarterback Cal Cosens and running backs Chase Hyer and Nate Adams. Senior Kaden Conner enters his fourth year as a starter and will anchor both lines.
Offense: Flexbone Defense: Odd Front Returning starters: Gannon White, QB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Trace Fowler, S, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Adam Cavallaro, S/RB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Cole Rickard, LB, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Jalen Rice, LB/RB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Aidan Mays, OL, 5-11, 215, Sr.; Collin Scott, OL/DL, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Levi Wittenberg, OL/LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Michael Riddle, OL, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Cole Eaton, DL, 5-11, 240, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kameron Daboe, 326 yds. Passing: N/A
Offense: Multiple Triple Option Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Kaden Conner, OL/DL, 6-1, 270, Sr.; Marquin Johnson, OL/DL, 6-5, 215, Sr.; Blake Tomasi, OL, 5-10, 240, So.; Cal Cosens, QB/DB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Nate Adams, RB/LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Chase Hyer, RB/DB, 5-7, 145, Jr.; Colton Rogers, LB, 5-9, 180, So.; Hayden Harris, WR/DE, 6-2, 190, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Octavius Lyles, 62 car., 454 yds., 5 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Adrion Seals, 30 rec., 757 yds., 10 TDs Tackles: Braylen Hoobler, 87 tkls.; Kole Manley, 86 tkls.; Kale Hammerschmidt, 84 tkls. Sacks: Micah Barron, 3 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to continue to build upon our success in the playoffs the last two years and compete for a league championship. Our team’s key to success will be a continued commitment in the weight room during the summer, build trust in each other by game one, and play with pride, passion, and purpose.”
Offense: I Multiple Set Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Matthew Eddy, WR/LB; Gavin Patton, DL; Blake Ellis, C; Bryan Regier, G; Bodey Redenbaugh, OL; Jeffery Neill, P/K
Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Matthew Eddy, 23 rec., 453 yds., 4 TDs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Every year our goal is to reach the State Championship. We are going to be a young, inexperienced team. We need to grow up fast.”
Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Camdon Julian, RB/DB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Hayden Smith, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Lucas Smith, WR, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Isaiah Melugin, TE/FB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Truman York, OL, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Willie Hayes, OL, 5-7, 245, Jr.; Dillon Kuehn, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, Jr.; Anthony Paolini, OL, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Koehn Wright, DB, 5-8, 130, Jr.; Dustin Fischer, LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Dannon Kelly, DL, 5-10, 235, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Aaron Tunstall, 79 car., 349 yds. Passing: Amanie Luten, 7-17, 126 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Ke’Shawn Hayes, 12 rec., 99 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Kainen White, 45 tkls. Sacks: Kainen White, Joseph Neuenschwander, 5 sacks ea. Ints.: Amir Luten, Ke’Shawn Hayes, 1 INT ea.
Assistants: Cliff Jefferson, Reggie Jones, Steven Vincent, Steve Macintosh, Greg Suttington
Notes: The Blue Comets enjoyed an outstanding season last fall and nearly knocked off private school superpower Bishop Miege in the second round of the playoffs, but the Stags edged CHS, 33-21. This fall the Blue Comets won’t be the deepest, most experienced team in 4A, but the seven returning starters are among the best players in the classification and feature a good mix of outstanding skill players with speed to burn and physical big men.
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals this year are to solidify our culture. What will the Coffeyville Golden Tornado be on Friday nights on the football field? I want to see us be able to control theline of scrimmage this season. We will go as our offensive and defensive lines go. Offensively, we must displace people and create run lanes for all of our backs. Defensively we must reset the LOS. I want it to seem like we are blitzing even when we are not. We must be attacking on defense.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jaytin Gumm, 128 car., 1,036 yds, 15 TDs Passing: Hunter Alvord, 122-180, 1,648 yds., 13 TDs Receiving: Tucker Pelnar, 22 rec., 269 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Javyn Alexander, 73 tkls. Sacks: Cade Wedel, 1 sack Ints.: Luke Shroeder, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We want to reach our potential. We have had a great summer thus far and need to continue to build on our character and team chemistry. If we do, we have a chance to be just as good, if not better, than we have in the past. Our summer weight room attendance was the lowest it has ever been last summer and I think our guys realize that working together all summer is the key to our success.”
2021 Record: 7-4 / United Kansas Conference Head Coach: John Black (1st year; 24th overall, 94110) Assistants: TJ Dorian, Shea Grosdidier, Cody Melby, Kevin Coker Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Logan Ladish, QB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Colin Vigil, WR/SS, 5-11, 175, Sr.; JJ Jarret, RB/ CB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Miguel Martin, RB/CB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Camden Beebe, O/DT, 6-3, 300, Sr.; Cameron Roger, OL/NG, 6-0, 270, Sr.; Samuel Jarvis, OL, 6-0, 280, Sr.; Zack Knetter, TE, 6-4, 210, Sr.; Zane Pudenz, FS, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Evan Damron, DE, 6-1, 230, Jr.; LaMar Lynch, DE, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Terrel Anderson, LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Mason L’Heureux, LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Logan Ladish, 55 car., 297 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Logan Ladish, 35-68, 625 yds., 8 TDs Receiving: Colin Vigil, 35 rec., 557 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Mason L’Heureux, 120 tkls. Sacks: Colin Vigil, 2 sacks Interceptions: Colin Vigil, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We want to win a league championship and push deep into the playoffs. This side of the state is really tough, it’s going to be a battle to come out on top of the eastern side of 4A. Our players will be pushed every day to become the best player and person that they can be. The keys to success this year will be staying healthy. We need kids to buy in and learn the new offensive system. We return a lot of experience on both sides of the ball and are excited about the young players coming up in the system.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Julien Myers, 494 yds., 4 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Julien Myers, 22 rec., 213 yds. Tackles: Trenton Davis, 55 tkls. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are going to have a lot of name changes this year but our expectations stay the same; play physical football for 48 minutes and let the chips fall where they may. Our goals will be to win the turnover battle, win Div. III, and finish in the top four of 4A West.”
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Sean Carroll, 298 car., 1,608 yds., 23 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Jack Forge, 7 rec., 60 yds. Tackles: Wyatt Potter, 84 tkls. Sacks: Dylan Elmore, 13.5 sacks Interceptions: Wyatt Potter, Blake O’Brien, Jacob Bittner, 1 INT ea.
2021 Record: 9-4 / Eastern Kansas League Head Coach: Tom Radke (12th year, 70-45; 17th overall, 92-72) Assistants: Matt Joshi, Jason Denton, Larry Beashore, Jerome Tucker, Sam Bruning, Julian Cole, Jeff Adams, Brian Gray, Bill Pekarek, Christian Buckner, Alex Warn, Sam Charpentier, Connor Odum Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Finn Burritt, WR, Sr.; Wade Spencer, DL/DE, Sr.; Blake Boydston, DB, Sr.; Josh Boone, DB, Sr.; Callahan Huston, WR, Sr.; Nick McDermott, DE, Sr.; Braxton Guetterman, DL, Jr.; Jack Bickelmeyer, OL, Sr.; John Neisen, WR, Sr.; Spencer Dohm, LB, Jr.; Andrew Holton, FS, Sr.; Will Golomski, OL, Sr.; Jayden Mabion, DE, Sr.; J.P. Conley, OL, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: Declan Battle Receiving: Mason Dobbins Tackles: Jackson Rooney, Nathan Vincent, Jase Hovey Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A Notes: Former Louisburg assistant Drew Harding takes over for coach Robert Ebenstein, who led the Wildcats to a 30-18 record in five seasons. A near certain win over Baldwin in Week 3 last fall was filled with Rock Creek because of COVID. The Mustangs edged the Wildcats 35-28 in the contest and ultimately left LHS just below .500. Harding, a Louisburg graduate in the Class of 2010, and a former Wildcat quarterback, welcomes back significant experience for a team that consistently battles for the Frontier League crown. Returning all-league honorable mention quarterback Declan Battle has three returning offensive linemen to work behind while he picks up Harding’s new offense. He’ll have second team all-league receiver Mason Dobbins as his top target in the passing game. The defense welcomes back all-league defenders Jackson Rooney, Nathan Vincent, and Jase Hovey, giving Harding a key returner on each of the three levels of the defense.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: None Passing: None Receiving: None Tackles: Brody Stewart, 45 tkls. Sacks: Kale Murdock, 2 sacks Interceptions: None Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We look forward to improving throughout the season to be playing at our best late in the year. The key to our success is the leadership of our upperclassmen and how quickly the underclassmen grow as football players.”
2021 Record: 4-5 / Frontier League Head Coach: Drew Harding (1st year) Assistants: Ty Pfannenstiel, Alex Gentges, Kade Larson, Joel McGhee, Pete Skakal, Jake Hinson Offense: Pistol Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Will Hutsell, OL, Sr.; Brayton Brueggen, OL, Sr.; Scott Thornton, OL, Jr.; Declan Battle, QB, Jr.; Ashton Moore, RB, So.; Mason Dobbins, WR, Sr.; Isaiah Whitley, TE, Sr.; Caden Caplinger, WR, Jr.; Jase Hovey, DB, Sr.; Hunter Heinrich, DB, Jr.; Layne Ryals, DB, Sr.; Nathan Vincent, LB, Sr.; Jackson Howard, DL, Jr.; Jackson Rooney, DL, Sr.; Wyatt Holland, DL, Jr.
2021 Record: 8-3 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV Head Coach: Daniel Myears (5th year, 20-18) Assistants: Steve Nelson, David Dieker, Randy Fox, Taylor Hageman, Jason Whisler, Kolby Fennewald, Pete Offense:MyersSpread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Julien Myers, RB/DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Andy Huynh, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Kaiden Abasolo, OL/DL, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Austin Vanderhoof, OL/DL, 5-9, 220, Jr.; Ethan Tharp, OL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Ethan Kasparek, WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Tyke Creekmore, WR, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Trenton Davis, DB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Ethan Irvine, DL, 5-8, 195; Chase Dieker, TE/ILB, 5-9, 170, Sr.
Notes: Piper parted ways with fourth year head coach Rick Pollard after a 7-4 season that included razor thin losses to Paola, Spring Hill, and Leavenworth, and a quarterfinal loss to eventual 4A champ St. James. The Pirates welcome Piper alum John Black, a veteran head coach with stops at Wamego, Valley Center, Neodesha, and Independence. He inherits a good group that should contend in their first year in the United Kansas Conf.
2021 Record: 7-3 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. III
Notes: After more than 20 years, and nearly 200 wins, Paola coach Mike Dumpert has retired. His longtime assistant, Mike Smith, now takes over, and he’ll have a bit of a rebuilding project, especially on offense where he graduated Kansas Pregame coverboy Jovanni Blackie at running back, and All-State fullback Caden Rhamy. Blackie, a two-time 1,200 plus yard rusher, is now at Mid-America Nazarene and Rhamy – who doubled as an All-State LB on the Panther D – is at Washburn. Smith does welcome back a pair of experienced O-linemen and three starters on defense to help continue the Paola tradition of success. Smith has to look no further than last year’s preseason to find optimis. The Panthers returned just two starters last fall, but posted a fifth straight winning season.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Ben Wheeler, 18 car., 32 yds. Passing: Ben Wheeler, 13-22, 170 yds., 1 TD Receiving: John Niesen, 64 rec., 1,275 yds., 8 TDs Tackles: Spencer Dohm, 86 tkls.; Wade Spencer, 79 tkls. Sacks: Wade Spencer, 13.5 sacks Ints.: Blake Boydston, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “This group has a lot of experience coming back this year and they look to uphold the solid reputation that our defense has earned in the EKL. Our talented offensive weapons and experienced defense will be a force to be reckoned with in 2022.”
Notes: A string of four straight semifinal appearances ended with an 18-16 second round playoff loss to Mulvane, but coach Jace Pavlovich welcomes back plenty of talent to help the Bullpups make a playoff push. The offense should hum this season behind three returning O-linemen, 1,600-yard passer Hunter Alvord, and two-time 1,000-yard rusher Jaytin Gumm. Receiver Tucker Pelnar provides a quality target and tight end Sam Becker looks to play a bigger role in the offense this fall. Linebacker Javyn Alexander returns to lead the D, but Becker is the lone returner on a D-line hit hard by graduation.
2021 Record: 7-5 / Eastern Kansas League Randy Dreiling (8th year, 72-23; 33rd overall, 25799) Assistants: Kevon McGrew, Dillen Jackle, Pat Lonergan, Nelson Young, Terri Pierce, Chuck Tolson, Richard Davila, Bo Meisenheimer, Drew Pilgrim, Brock Howard, Lorenzo Rizzi, Chris Johnson, Shawn Offense:FreemanFlexbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Carson Melchior, G, 5-10, 185, Jr.; PJ Cunningham, C, 5-10, 214, Jr.; Carson Kraft, OT, 6-1, 207, Jr.; Jack Forge, SS, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Grant Kelley, S, 6-0, 178, Jr.; Jeremiah Penney, RB/ DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Sean Carroll, FB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Kian Payne, DT, 6-3, 228, Jr.; Dylan Elmore, DE, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Jacob Bittner, CB, 5-8, 162, Sr.; Wyatt Potter, LB, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Wyatt Lewis, CB, 6-1, 155, Jr.; Blake O’Brien, SS, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Dillon Marshall, FS, 6-1, 186, Jr.
Assistants: Chet Harlin, Mike Davison, Nick Gawanda, John Montgomery, Randall Milleson, Kaden Tichenor, David Georzen, Patrick Corcoran, Matt Offense:SandboSpread-I Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Sam Becker, DL/TE, Sr.; Teegan Haines, LB, Jr.; Javyn Alexander, LB, Jr.; Jayse Schriner, DB, Jr.; Jaret Myers, DB, Sr.; Luke Shroeder, DB, Sr.; Cade Wedel, DB, Sr.; Connor McVicker, OL, Sr.; Joe Nutt, OL, Jr.; Mason Clark, OL, Sr.; Hunter Alvord, QB, Sr.; Jaytin Gumm, RB, Sr.; Tucker Pelnar, WR, Sr.
OTTAWA PAOLA 2021 Record: 2-7 / Frontier League Walt Alexander (2nd year, 1-8; 31st overall) Assistants: Pat Boeh, Tanner Matthias, Kendall Thompson, Evan Shaffer Offense: Spread Defense: 3-5 Returning starters: Ion Woodin, RB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Josue Navarro, RB, 5-6, 155, Jr.; Hayden Durrie, WR, 5-11, 190, Sr.; Axavier Vink, TE/LB, 6-0, 235, Sr.; Austyn McFadden, OL, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Derek Gomez, OL/DE, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Cooper Stone, OL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Tommy Evans, OL/DE, 6-1, 245, Jr.; Parker Guge, LB, 6-0, 155, Jr.; Austin Curtis, LB, 6-1, 180, Sr.
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A Notes: After a 7-5 season that saw the Saints make the semifinals and lose to eventual three-time 5A champion Mill Valley, Aquinas drops down to 4A this season. Randy Dreiling enters his eighth season with the Saints with 14 returning starters led by a strong junior class that represents nine of those spots. Senior running back Sean Carroll returns after leading the Saints with 1,600 yards rushing and 23 TDs last fall to give him a total of 2,352 yards rushing and 30 TDs in his career. The defense is especially experienced with six of the top 10 tacklers back from last year. The Saints will miss quarterback Maxxwell Ford and defensive lineman Sa’o Siavi’i after the AllState duo transferred to Lee’s Summit North (Mo.) for their senior seasons. With Aquinas’ move to 4A the state’s top three private school football programs in eastern Kansas are now in the same classification on the same side of the playoff bracket. Bishop Miege and St. James Academy have won the last seven 4A Titles. Will Aquinas be the next?
Head Coach: Jace Pavlovich (8th year, 62-16)
Notes: Mulvane coach Daniel Myears engineered one of the biggest turnarounds in Kansas last fall when the Wildcats went 8-3 just one year removed from a 1-7 finish in 2020. After a pair of close losses to 3A powers Wichita Collegiate and Andale to open the season the Wildcats ripped off eight straight wins and beat McPherson twice – once in Week 7 of the regular season and again in the second round of the playoffs. A 7-0 loss to Buhler in the quarterfinals ended the season. The turnaround was largely due to the health of standouts Mason Ellis and Hunter Seirer, who both missed much of 2020 to injury. Both are now lost to graduation, but the Wildcats still return a few pieces to help continue the program’s winning ways. Versatile offensive weapon Julien Myers returns to carry a heavier load this season and he’ll have four experienced offensive linemen to work behind. Trenton Davis is back to pace the defense from his defensive back spot but the majority of the back half of the defense is gone to graduation and will be tested as new leaders emerge.
Notes: St. James has unseated Miege as the private school power in 4A with a second consecutive State Title last fall. Coach Tom Radke bids farewell to significant offensive production from that team including Frank Fontana Award winning QB Jackson House (transferred to Louisiana), leading rusher Tiave Watts (graduated), and standout WR Ty Claiborne (Iowa State PWO). New QB Ben Wheeler – the younger brother of K-State TE Sammy Wheeler – will have 1,300-yard pass catcher John Niesen to throw to, and a loaded defense will allow time for growth. Wade Spencer (13.5 sacks) and Spencer Dohm (86 tkls.) are two of the state’s top defenders and three returning starters will lead the secondary.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Zion Woodin, 852 yds., 2 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Zion Woodin, 10 rec., 163 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Parker Guge, 68 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “One of our goals this year is to keep improving each week and play as hard as we can every play. Going into our second year we hope to be a lot stronger and much more physical and have the endurance to play harder for longer.”
Notes: Long-time Kansas High School football coach Walt Alexander begins his second year at the helm of the Cyclone ship. Known for his rebuilding projects at Topeka, Atchison County, Republic County, and Hill City, Alexander hopes to continue an upward trend with an Ottawa program that last won more than two games in a season in 2016. The offense will go through returning all-league running back Zion Woodin, who showed versatility in rushing for more than 800 yards and catching 10 passes a year ago. The defense will be led by junior linebacker Parker Guge, who posted 68 tackles a season ago. 2021 Record: 6-4 / Frontier League Head Coach: Mike Smith (1st year) Assistants: Todd Weaver, David Kane, Darvin Willard, Morgan Roth, Tyler Offense:RydellMultiple Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Eli Richmond, OL, 6-3, 240, Jr.; Cale Murdock, OL, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Landon Taylor, DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Charlie Zeller, DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Brody Stewart, LB, 6-0, 195, Sr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 89 KC-PIPER LENEXA-ST. JAMES ACADEMY LOUISBURG MCPHERSON
2021 Record: 2-6 / Great West Activities Conference
2021 Record: 4-6 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. III
Head Coach: Cade Albert (1st year; 3rd overall, 3-12) Assistants: Josh Sullivan, Jon Becker, Sirus Rosales, Nathan Offense:BuchholzOffsetI
Notes: After six seasons Wellington alum Zane Aguilar hands the reins of the Crusader program to former Moundridge coach Jeremiah Meeks. Eleven players back with starting experience will help ease the transition with QB Malachi Rogers DB Mehki Haskin-Ybarra back after earning league honors.
Head Coach: Jeremiah Meeks (1st year; 6th overall, 19-36) Assistants: Ryan Elder, Ross Foley, Nick Wellington, Ryan Jenkins, Tim Lira, CJ Carey, Connor Offense:BurnettSpread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Mehki Haskin-Ybarra, WR/ DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Montel Tate, WR/DB, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Cope Henry, WR/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Dalton Bishop, OL/DL, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Jakob Lira, RB/LB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Malachi Rogers, QB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Jack Wright, WR/DB, 6-1, 150, Sr.; Derrick Lowe, OL/DL, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Brody Weir, TE/DE, 6-3, 200, So.; Carter Burnett, LB/WR, 6-4, 155, So.; Skyler Branam, WR/DB, 5-10, 140, So.
ROSE HILL SM-BISHOP MIEGE TONGANOXIE TOWANDA-CIRCLE 2021 Record: 2-6 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV
Notes: An experienced O-line with five returning junior starters and Wichita SE junior transfer Easton Sears will help the transition from graduated QB Lane Gardner (William Penn). Boeden Whitted may need to carry more of the load while the new QB adapts to the varsity level. The defense should be a strength thanks to the return of HM all-league selections Tyler Kiser (DE), Jayden Jones (LB), and Pierce Probasco (DB). Senior safety Luke McLaughlin (Emporia State offer) is one of the best DBs in the league. Senior specialist Teagan Cobb gives the Rockets an advantage in the kicking game.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Evan Cortez, 42 car., 461 yds. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our schedule will be an advantage for us this season. We get to play great teams which will help us in the playoffs. Offensive line should be a solid point for us this year. Defensively our goal is to simplify schemes to let our athletes play fast and physical. We need to emphasize taking this season one game at a time.”
Next Level Sports
Head Coach: Logan Clothier (6th year, 10-34) Asst.: Joe Zinn, Todd Chrisman, Chril Oliver, Juwan Offray, Jordan Thomas, Jeff Falkner, Donn Parr
2021 Record: 6-4 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. III
Head Coach: Weston Moody (5th year, 2614) Assistants: Nathan Good, Jacob Lattimer, Jacob Simon, Jeff Suther, Kevin Bergstrom, Paul Musselman, John Scoggins Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Hayden Oviatt, QB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Chase Cottam, WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Colin Donahue, WR, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Hagan Johnson, WR, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Brayden Fulton, OL, 6-1, 195, Jr.; Eli Bergmeier, OL, 6-3, 245, Sr.; Ariston Gamino, DL, 5-9, 210, Sr.; Grant Larson, LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Gage Woodward, DL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Andrew Hildebrand, OL, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Drew Pettay, DB, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Tayke Weber, DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Lane Jeanneret, DB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Thomas Mclntyre, DB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Dawson Tajchman, DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Hayden Oviatt, 1,470 yds., 18 TDs Passing: Hayden Oviatt, 1,535 yds., 27 TDs Receiving: Chase Cottam, 452 yds., 10 TDs; Colin Donahue, 409 yds., 5 TDs; Hagan Johnson, 375 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: Grant Larson, 83 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Dawson Tajchman, 4 INTs
Offense: Spread Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Ty Smith, WR/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Bonner Jeffries, WR/DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Dylan Foes, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Garrick Wright, OL/DL, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Cannon McCormack, RB/LB, 5-11, 210, Jr.; Andrew Tien, OL/DL, 6-4, 270, Jr.; Tony Berryman, OL/DL, 5-10, 190, Jr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 90
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to win a State Championship. Class 4A will be a challenge this year with St. Thomas Aquinas being added to an already deep field. We need to compete in the EKL each week. Last year we struggled to finish games, losing three games late in the fourth quarter. Our goal is to make sure we are playing late in November.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: David Garcia, 50 car., 229 yds., 1 TD Passing: Mac Armstrong, 227-344, 2,650 yds., 21 TDs Receiving: Tommy Wright, 52 rec., 581 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Isaiah Coppage, 52 tkls. Sacks: Arasto Sadeghi, 2 sacks Interceptions: Aidan Wing, Jack Baird, Justyce Betts, Isaiah Coppage, 1 INT ea.
Offense: Multiple Spread / I Defense: 3-4 Multiple Returning starters: Pierce Probasco, RB/CB, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Luke McLaughlin, WR/S, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Milan Colvin, DT, 6-1, 230, So.; Boeden Whitted, RB, 5-7, 140, Sr.; Tyler Kiser, DE, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Jayden Jones, TE/OLB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Kulton Richwine, OL, 5-8, 185, Jr.; Chase Williamson, OL/DL, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Keegan Taylor, OL, 5-10, 280, Jr.; Kallen Higdon, OL, 6-5, 260, Jr.; Easton Sears, OL, 6-2, 240, Jr. (Wichita SE transfer); Dawson McNaul, OL, 6-2, 195, Jr.; Teagan Cobb, K/P, 6-2, 190, Sr.
Notes: After one season leading the Tigers former St. Francis coach Nick Fawcett now takes over the Santa Fe Trail program and Ulysses welcomes in former Herington head coach Cade Albert to help the Tigers improve on a 2-6 record from a year ago. Albert is a native of Hays and a Fort Hays State grad who served as an assistant at Russell and Cimarron before taking over at Herington, where he went 3-12 in two seasons. He welcomes back 10 players with starting experience from a year ago including 6-1, 175 pound senior running back Evan Cortez who rushed for 461 yards on 42 carries last season. A once perennial playoff winner, the Tigers have won just five games in the past two seasons.
Offense: Pro Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Austin Bryant, OL, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Logan Burleson, OL, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Carson Saichieng, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Justyce Tate, RB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Cale Lindenman, RB, 6-0, 180, So.; Braylon Chattam, TE, 6-1, 225, Sr.; Christian Tovar, WR, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Kody Brenn, DL, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Zerrick Vargas, DL, 6-2, 250, Jr.; Devon Caley, DL, 6-0, 300, So.; Cole Wageman, LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Hunter Reyes, LB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Mavrick Thomas, DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Gaven Boling, DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Cole Wageman Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for the year are to improve on our gains from last season, compete, and win.”
Defense: Even Front Returning starters: Carmelo Orosco, TE/WLB, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Christian Landeros, OT/DT, 6-2, 310, Sr.; Robert Villezcas, G/DE, 6-1, 250, Jr.; Uri Ortiz, C/ DT, 6-0, 240, Jr.; Chase Phelps, G/DT, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Broc Harland, WR/FS, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Evan Cortez, TB/CB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Lorenzo Gomez, FB/MLB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Joel Guadarrama, TB/SS, 5-10, 170, So.; Justin Degollado, QB, 6-2, 195, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cannon McCormack, 55 car., 287 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Cooper Chadwell, 5-16, 30 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Ty Smith, 40 rec., 730 yds., 12 TDs Tackles: Cannon McCormack, 67 tkls. Sacks: Cannon McCormack, 4 sacks Ints.: Ty Smith, 2 INTs
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is always to take a one game at a time mentality. We need to attack each game like it is our last and be playing our best football at the end of the year. I think staying healthy and trying to build up as much depth as possible will be the key.”
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Malachi Rogers, 160 car., 889 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Malachi Rogers, 36-114, 608 yds., 8 TDs Receiving: Montel Tate, 7 rec., 263 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Jakob Lira, 57 tkls. Sacks: Brody Weir, 2 sacks Interceptions: Mehki Haskin-Ybarra, Cope Henry, 2 INTs ea.
2021 Record: 9-2 / North Central Kansas League
Notes: Few coaches made the impact in their first season last fall than Winfield’s Monty Lewis. The former long-time college head coach led the Vikings to a 4-6 record just a year after WHS was 1-8. The Vikings were extremely competitive in five of their six losses last season, playing state powers Buhler and McPherson within 11 and seven points respectively – the latter a 21-14 loss in OT. The Vikings battled a much-improved Circle team in a 35-31 loss and dropped a contest with Rose Hill by two-points, 14-12. After scoring more than 14 points just once in 2020, Winfield scored at least 14 points in seven games last fall. Lewis may have a bigger challenge ahead after graduating five 2021 all-league players. Training Lincoln WamegoAve luck Red Raiders!
2021 Record: 5-7 / Eastern Kansas League Head Coach: Jon Holmes (11th year, 98-26) Assistants: Travis Grosdidier, Tim Grunhard, Steve Koesterer, John Darrow, Mike Galvin, Pat Hansen, Jim Giokaris, Kaelin Key, Zach Mann, Ty Wendland, Matt Eshelbrenner, Jason Flood Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Mac Armstrong, QB, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Tommy Wright, WR, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Daegan Jensen, TE, 6-3, 203, Sr.; Jeremy Schleicher, OL, 6-3, 283, Jr.; Dominic Werner, OL, 6-5, 300, Jr.; Pablo Montoya, OL, 6-0, 280, Sr.; Justin Walls, DL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Arasto Sadeghi, DL, 5-10, 183, Jr.; Justyce Betts, LB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Jack Baird, DB, 5-7, 155, Jr.; Aidan Wing, DB, 6-4, 205, Sr.; Isaiah Coppage, DB, 5-11, 183, Sr.
Notes: After five straight 4A crowns the Stags have now missed consecutive title games, but Jon Holmes begins his second decade as Miege’s coach with a loaded roster. Three O-linemen are back to protect 2,600-yard passer Mac Armstrong, while the secondary returns some of the top DBs in Kansas and adds senior DeAndre Beasely – a Northern Iowa commit – who transfers in from Lee’s Summit North (Mo.).
2021 Record: 4-5 / Frontier League Head Coach: Preston Troyer (1st year) Assistants: Matt Bond, Matt Thierolf, Josh Fahlgren, Jamie Fahlgren, Cole Holloway Offense: Multiple Outside Zone Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Wyatt Harris, FS, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Connor Cole, OL/DL, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Nathen Smith, OL/DL, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Jack Messersmith, TE/LB, 5-6, 170 Sr.; Colton Brusvan, RB/LB, 5-9, 185 Jr.; Trevor McGraw, QB, 5-8, 145 Jr.; Isaiah Holthaus, WR/OLB, 6-2, 190 Jr.; TJ Leeper, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, So.; Tyler Pankey, WR/OLB, 6-3, 190 Jr.; Talon Langford CB/ WR, 6-2, 180, So.
ULYSSES WAMEGO WELLINGTON WINFIELD
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “I am getting to know our athletes and figure out what our strengths and weaknesses will be. We have some very skilled position players and some young skill players that will be counted on to play. We will be young up front but we have some solid returning players to help anchor our line and be mentors to younger players.”
Notes: Weston Moody enters his fifth season at Wamego with 14 returning starters and high expectations. Army West Point QB commit Hayden Oviatt and the entire receiving corps return to improve on an impressive 35 ppg avg. Grant Larson and Dawson Tajchman are back to lead the D.
2021 Record: 3-6 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV Head Coach: Lee Weber (5th year, 13-24; 22nd overall, 91-105) Assistants: Ryan Hill, David Penner, Jim Madison, Ross Nolan, Blaize Foltz, Austin Hamm
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Colton Brusvan, 793 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Trevor McGraw, 913 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Isaiah Holthaus, 340 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Wyatt Harris, 54 tkls. Sacks: Isaiah Holthaus, 4 sacks Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to compete and get better every week. We lost two OT games and one game by three in 2021, so we look to put ourselves in position to win close games. Making improvements every week and staying healthy will be key. We played quite a few freshmen/sophomores in 2021, so it will be crucial that they show improvement so we can rely on them more heavily this upcoming fall.”
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The goal for our team is to continue to build off of last season. Take each opportunity and each game one day at a time. We want to embrace the process in all that we do. Doing what we love and loving what we do. The key for our team’s success is to grow even tighter and closer together as a team in everything we do. Recognize the importance of our attention to detail in all aspects of our preparation as a program. After the success we had last season we are no longer going to sneak up on any opponent. We must focus on the task at hand not looking too far ahead or thinking about what we have accomplished in the past. It is a brand new season.”
Head Coach: Monty Lewis (2nd year, 4-6; 28th overall, 159-88) Assistants: Andrew Brenn, Zack McDowell, Grant Newton, Joe Vargas, Jayden Tate, Isaiah Amezcua, Travis Morin, Beau Conklin
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Boeden Whitted, 80 car., 406 yds., 3 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Jayden Jones, 60 tkls. Sacks: Jayden Jones, 2 sacks Interceptions: Pierce Probasco, Blake Struble, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to compete with championship effort each week. We have a very competitive schedule with some of the best teams in our class that will be absolute wars week in and week out. If we compete each week then we have an opportunity to challenge for a league title and State Title because of the high level of competition we play against.”
Notes: After four wins in four seasons Thunderbird coach Logan Clothier led CHS to a 6-4 record last fall, the best finish since a 5-5 mark under Lee LaMunyon in 2010. Clothier and the T-birds enter 2022 with high expectations thanks to the return of a number of experienced athletes from last year’s breakout season. Explosive WR and DB Ty Smith is one of 4A’s best players and linemen Garrick Wright and Andrew Tien provide a pair of quality big men.
Notes: New head coach Preston Troyer takes over the family business following the retirement of his father Al. The older Troyer spent nine years as the head coach of the Chieftains to wrap up a career that included stops in Larned and multiple schools in Texas and spanned four decades. The younger Troyer inherits a team that missed a winning record by the slimmest of margins and returns nine starters including quarterback Trevor McGraw, running back Colton Brusvan, and standout wide receiver and linebacker Isaiah Holthaus. The Chieftains are well-equipped to again challenge in the always tough Frontier League and could be a factor in the playoffs.
Kansan recruiting Kansas No conversation about Kansas State football recruiting is complete without mentioning the efforts of director of recruiting Taylor Braet. The Kansas native is known for his energy and effervesence and his ever-present use of the color purple, from his Jeep to his Crocs, and every piece of apparel in-between. “Recruiting the state is important to me because this is where I’m from, this is my home,” Braet said. “Not only mine, but my parents, my grandparents, and so on. I think there’s unbelievably great talent in the state and a lot of it’s overlooked. I think kids in the state have a chip on their shoulder because they’re not from Texas or Flor ida. I think we’re a blue-collar state with tough kids with great work-ethic who wanna be great and are hungry to be the Ultimatelybest.”for Braet, K-State provides more than just a place to play football and get an education, it’s a home away from home. “We’re at a school that fits the people in our state, just like the players we recruit.”
Keegan McCullick is a full-time staff writer for Kansas Pregame and has nearly five years experience covering high school sports in Kansas. John Baetz is the publisher of Kansas Pregame and has more than 20 years experience covering high school and college sports in the state.
Cody Whitehair, Abilene High School
Zach Nemecheck, Quinter High School
Luke Hayes, Scott City High School
AthleticsK-StatecourtesyPhotos
The Future K-State’s Class of 2023 verbal commitment list has created a buzz around the state.“Clearly the state’s recruit ing followers have now be come aware of the biggest talents in 2023,” Wallace said. “Names like Johnson, Edwards, and Otting have become familiar to even the smallest enthusiast. But what truly stands out about this class above others in recent memory are the ad ditional prospects that collegiate staffs believe to hold legitimate“Enteringpotential.August, before any of their senior seasons have begun, 11 Kansans are already bound for Power Five institutions and at least two more seemed destined to follow. Even more, seven additional players have col lected at least one FBS scholarship offer with several others entertaining serious attention themselves.”
Kansans at K-State / from page 15
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 91 Barta. While Sproles had an incredibly productive high school career for 6A power Olathe North, his height kept many recruiters away. Embracing the under… cat. A staple of K-State football in the modern era is the development of Sunflower State walk-ons, with the most famous of these Riley County High School graduate Jordy Nelson, who after walking-on as a de fensive back made the switch to wideout and became the first consensus All-American re ceiver in K-State history before going on to an outstanding 10year career with the Green Bay Packers.“Thestate of Kansas has great high school football programs full of great coaches and phe nomenal players,” Klieman said. “It is important for us as a program to keep as many of those great players home to play for their state, and we take great pride in that. The K-State program, beginning with Coach Snyder, was built with hard-working players from our state, and we want to continue that trajectory.”
Andale’s BJ Finney, Kapaun’s Jonathan Truman, Hays High’s Marcus Watts, Aquinas’ Ryan Mueller, Tope ka High’s Will Geary, Riley County’s Jon McGraw and Cimarron’s Ian Campbell are just a few of the many Kansans who went from walk-on to starter and earned postseason honors for their play. But it’s not just the walk-ons who develop into all-con ference players that are key to the success of the pro gram under Snyder, and now Klieman, it’s also the less heralded contributors who embrace roles on special teams and the practice squad.
As K-State moves forward into a future with the Big XII we once knew in the past, and NILs, social media and transfer rules changing the face of college football as a whole, Klieman and his staff continue to build upon the foundation laid by Snyder, but with updates whenever necessary. Most recently, at least in Wallace’s opinon, those updates appear to be in regard to high school tal ent in Kansas. “For a state that’s typically been known for having a lot of fringe prospects who pick up interest late in the recruiting calendar, that’s an astonishing number to see during the summer months. It just goes to show the level of football development that’s occurring here at home.”
Players like Colborn Couchman. A Scott City graduate who walked-on in 2012 and went on to serve as a key part of the kickoff coverage unit, with similarities to the paths of Jared Loomis (Macks ville), Weston Hiebert (Goessel), or Curry Sexton (Abilene). In Sexton’s case, he was a vital piece of the practice squad and special teams unit during his first three seasons, before emerging as the number two receiver be hind Tyler Lockett his senior year and earning second team All-Big 12Zachhonors.Nemecheck (Quinter), who started his career on the special teams unit before later seeing sig nificant time at both fullback and tight end, is another perfect exam ple of K-State’s recruiting approach at work. “I sent out junior year highlights to all the DII and DI colleges throughout the Midwest,” Nemechek said. “Only DIs that contacted me were Air Force and K-State. Nothing from KU. Had a phenomenal camp being eval uated against other high-caliber talent and they asked me to walk-on and obviously did. K-State was relentless though. They wanted me to walk-on and worked harder at it than most the DIIs did that were giving me scholar ship offers.” Something Special Snyder and Klieman’s teams have been referred to as “Special Teams U” for their emphasis and success with those oft-overlooked plays between offense and defense. Since 2007, the Wildcats have finished top-10 in opponent-adjusted possession effi ciency on special teams (SFEI) seven times, and in the top-25 12 times, in no small part thanks to the overlooked talent foundManyin-state.successful Wildcat kickers and punters developed their legs in the Sun flower State as well. Second team All-Big 12 punter Deven Anctil (Olathe North west), third team All-Big 12 punter Travis Brown (Shawnee Mission West), All-Big 12 kicker Jack Cantele (Kapaun), and his older brother, second team All-Big 12 selection Anthony (Kapaun), All-Big 12 kicker Joe Rheem (Wichita Collegiate), and his older brother, two-time All-Big 12 kicker Jamie Rheem (Wichita Collegiate), and honorable mention All-Big 12 kicker Blake Lynch (Goddard-Eisen hower), were all crucial members of one of the nation’s best units. The Cats also have a strong history of return specialists. Along with Sproles and Nelson, 2015 Big 12 Special Teams Player of the Year Morgan Burns (Wichita Trinity) was a homegrown special teams talent for the program and currently is tied for most kickoffs returned for touchdowns with four. Identity Football Kansas is an agricultural state and K-State is an agricultural school, so much so that when the football team was playing its first game in 1896, they were called the Kansas State Agricultural College Aggies. It’s safe to say the fanbase and students have an ap preciation for the hard work often associated with rural life, considering many of them grew up working in it. Given the fans’ blue-collar mental ity, it’s no wonder hard working play ers better known for throwing blocks than scoring touchdowns thrive at the school. The team’s current senior full back Jax Dineen (Free State) earned second team All-Big 12 honors last season, while 2015-16 All Big 12 full back Winston Dimel (Manhattan), All Big 12 fullback Braden Wilson (Smith Center) and All-Big 12 tight end Travis Tannahil (Overland Park) all blend ed blocking with soft hands to earn all-conference honors. A litany of award-winning offensive linemen hailing from Kansas have also played a large role in Manhattan, including Cooper Beebe (Basehor-Linwood), B.J. Finney (Andale), Scott Frantz (Free State), Luke Hayes (Scott City), Noah Johnson (Bishop Carroll), Terrale Johnson (Manhattan), Ryan Lilja (Shawnee Mission Northwest), Josh Rivas (Hutchinson), Nick Stringer (Hayden), Wade Wiebert (Hillsboro), Whitehair (Abilene) and others.
Each had pivotal, if not sometimes unsung, impacts on the program, despite receiving little attention at the high school level. In the case of Finney, Lilja, Rivas, and Whitehair, they continued their careers in the NFL.
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Andale celebrated their third straight 3A State Championship with a dominant win over Frontenac last November. (Photo: Jim Ast) tackles, 2.5 sacks) on a defense that should be tough if they can find a way to replace All-State defensive lineman Kody Schalk (Pitt State). Expect big things from senior quarterback Brett Hamilton, who takes over the starting role full-time this fall after passing for 650 yards and eight touchdowns and welcomes back his top three receivers, including Landin Midgett, who was lost to injury last season.
Wellsville only returns five guys on each side of the ball from last year’s 10-1 squad, but senior running back Nash Money is looking for another 1,500 yard season. The Eagles must replace three All-League offensive linemen and standout defensive end Kaleb Green, who transferred to Gardner-Edgerton.
Chapman returns a big front line and experienced quarterback from a team that was 7-3 last fall. Marysville welcomes former Valley Heights’ head coach Tony Trimble who has one of the state’s top players back in big senior linebacker Peyton Smith. Concordia will miss the graduation of Shrine Bowl selections Keyan Miller and Dalton Owen, along with the transfer of top re turning player Cameron Cleveland to Sacred Heart. If Holcomb can replace graduated quarterback Kaden Johnson athletes Khai Cosner and Damon Mesa provide explosiveness and line man Kooper Tichenor should emerge as one of the GWAC’s best big men. Cheney has developed into a consistent winner, but the roster was virtually wiped out by graduation.
Galena brings back their entire offensive line and a number of playmakers offensively, including All-State tight end/receiver Tyler Little, as well as a strong defensive unit led by Little and All-State lineman Isaiah Dunaway, giving them just one major question: Who is going to take over at QB for Brett Sarwinski? If they find a good answer, the potential is very high for this squad. Hesston finished 4-5 for the second straight season, but get back some serious talent, not the least of whom is junior quar terback Hudson Ferralez, who threw for 2,436 yards and 27 TDs in his sophomore campaign. He’ll have his entire offensive line back to work behind and 6-4 receiver Jake Proctor to throw to – and Proctor doubles as the team’s top linebacker. With 20 letterwinners total and seven starters back on both sides of the ball it appears to be the sea son for Hesston to move back into playoff contention. Senior QB Luke Niggeman leads the way for Girard after throwing for over 1,000 yards last season when the Trojans finished 10-1 with a third round playoff exit. The Trojans return nine offensive starters, including all five offensive linemen, and six players defensively.
By Keegan McCullick & John Baetz, Kansas Pregame Andale is in the midst of one of the most dominant runs in state history and there are no signs of it stopping anytime soon. To underscore that dominance head coach Dylan Schmidt, who took over as head coach for Gary O’Hair five years ago, has won more state titles (three) than he has losses (two). Schmidt wel comes back a talented group of key players from a team that won last year’s 3A title 53-0 over Frontenac. The All-State backfield duo of QB Wyatt Spexarth and running back Cody Parthemer give the offense two proven playmakers, while on the defen sive side of the ball the All-State trio of linebacker Kelby Eck, D-lineman Jonah Meyer, and linebacker, and Sports in Kansas 3A Defensive Player of the Year finalist, Riley Marx lead what will be one of the best defensive units in the state. With six of their eleven starters back on both sides of the ball, Schmidt has some voids to fill, but the safe bet is on that getting done quickly. After a semifinal exit left them with an 11-1 mark last season, Holton’s methodical wishbone offense returns 3,459 rushing yards and 44 touchdowns of production gained through five different backs, along with a majority of their blockers, with just one offensive lineman graduating. Defensively, seniors Garyson Booth, Jayden Fletcher, and Jace Boswell make up one of the best linebacker units in the state, which should help out what will be a young defensive line. Topeka Hayden gets back 27 letterwinners from a team that finished 8-2 a season ago after an unexpected second round exit. Notre Dame commit Joe Otting leads the way on both the offensive and defensive line for the Wildcats, whose biggest questions are likely in regard to who will step up in the secondary this fall with All-State defensive backs Tyler Gilschrist and Jack Chisam both graduated. The team that upended Hayden, Rock Creek, is looking for ward to an even better season behind the accurate arm of senior QB Dalton Whitworth, who went 203 for 337 passing with 2,894 yards and 38 TDs last season. Alongside him will be senior re ceivers Ethan Burgess (1,030 yards), Yanci Spiller (531 yards), and junior Daegen Vinduska (673 yards), and running back Jaydon Winans, along with four of his five offensive linemen from a year ago. All-State defensive back Maddox Ibarra is the top returning tackler after recording 100 stops and three intercep tions last fall. Perry-Lecompton ended last season in rough fashion, los ing 41-0 to Holton in the second round of the playoffs, but bring back some intriguing talent. Senior QB Gunnar Ball returns to lead Mike Paramore’s squad after throwing for over 1,200 yards and rushing for nearly 600 more, while on defense he and senior backer Ty Williams return as the top two tacklers with over 60 each. Six of the top seven tacklers return. Columbus finished a disappointing 4-5 last season, but get back 11 starters total from that squad, including defensive back Kayden Cox (48 tackles, 3 INTs) and linebacker Jaydn Hale (48 “We graduated a great senior class that went 49-1 in the last four years with 38 wins in a row. We will need several people to step up and fill some roles, especially on the offensive line and in the defensive secondary.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 93 KANSAS PREGAME CLASS 3A PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. Andale 2. Holton 3. Rock Creek 4. Topeka Hayden 5. Wichita Collegiate Others: Chapman, Columbus, Frontenac, Galena, Girard, Hesston, Parsons, Perry-Lecompton, Wellsville CLASS 3A
Frontenac finished as the state runner-up last season, but arguably lost more talent to graduation than anyone in 3A. With five of their six All-State guys gone to graduation, eyes will be on two-way All-State senior Mario Menghini as he and head coach Mark Smith look to lead an inexperienced group. Parsons finished 7-3 after a loss to Girard in Regionals, but they return a lot of their depth from a year ago, including junior quarterback Tra Mack who earned All-State recognition as a sophomore after passing for 1,566 yards and 18 TDs.
ANDALE COACH, DYLAN SCHMIDT
Wichita Collegiate has one of the top playmakers in the state in senior QB Wesley Fair (K-State commit). Last season he gained 1,935 yards rushing and passing with 26 TDs, leading Collegiate to an 8-2 mark. With a majority of the offense surrounding him last year back and a few key returners on defense, including Fair and top returning tackler Conner Gagnon, the Spartans should see plenty of success in 2021.
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Nick Anderson, 62 car., 235 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Nick Anderson, 13-27, 197 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: Ian Suther, 3 rec., 56 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Nick Anderson, 63 tkls.; Ian Suther, 48 tkls. Sacks: DJ Messerly, 2 sacks Interceptions: Ian Suther, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will be a younger team than in years past. We are led by a great group of seniors and will return a lot of juniors with playing experience.” Notes: The Irish graduated their top three rushers from last year’s 7-3 squad, including 1,900-yard rusher Eli Riegel, 500-yard rusher Tate Milton, and 440-yard rusher Trevor Mead. The good news for coach Kurt Webster is the return of honorable mention all-league QB Nick Anderson and all but one piece from last year’s offensive line. Size up front will be an advantage with four returning big men standing at least 6-1 and weighing at least 235 pounds. Junior Ian Suther earned all-league recognition for his work in the defensive backfield last season and he’ll take on a bigger role on offense after rushing for 235 yards and six TDs and catching three passes with two more scores. Those big offensive linemen will also fortify the defensive front with junior DJ Messerly returning after an all-league season as a sophomore.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Caleb Wehrman, 27 car., 73 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Caden Sowers, 7-13, 36 yds. Receiving: Jack Voth, 34 rec., 558 yds., 8 TDs Tackles: Jack Voth Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Jack Voth, 3 INTs; Hudson Ditgen, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “A couple strengths for our team is that we return 22 lettermen and have a good work ethic. A few concerns are that we are young and inexperienced, only have 4 returning starters, and we need to develop leadership.”
2021 Record: 4-5 / North Central Kansas League Head Coach: Marc Henry (3rd year, 8-10) Assistants: JD Lane, Ben Last, Dalton Haist, Pat Hayes, David Roberts
2021 Record: 3-6 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div. IV Head Coach: Jimmy McDowell (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: Tyler Hampton, Jim Frickey, Chuck Schrader, Kylan Ward, Can Davis, Dustin Little
Rushing: Tyler Fugarino, 63 car., 156 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Tyler Fugarino, 100-224, 1,545 yds., 16
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BURLINGTON
Notes: Former long-time Lawrence Free State coach Bob Lisher enters his second year leading the Baldwin program and hopes to have 35 kids out this fall after ending last year with 20 athletes for a Class 3A program. The Bulldogs took their lumps early last fall getting shutout by their first four opponents of the year and allowing at least 36 points in each loss. The undermanned squad showed resiliency down the stretch scoring their first touchdown of the season in a 34-6 Week 6 loss to Bishop Ward before competing hard in losses against Santa Fe Trail (37-28) and Osawatomie (30-14), while closing on a high note with a 46-42 win over Royal Valley. This fall the Bulldogs are in a district that features favorite Wellsville and a group of relatively evenly matched squads in Bishop Ward, Osawatomie, Santa Fe Trail, and Baldwin. The Bulldogs were once a consistent winner, but a spike to 6-4 in 2017 is the only season with more than three wins since 2014. Between 2010 and 2014 coach Mike Berg – now at Wellsville – led the Bulldogs to 40 wins, never losing more than four games in a season and posting double digit win totals twice - 11-1 in 2013 and 10-2 in 2010.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 95 ANDALE BALDWIN BAXTER SPRINGS
Offense: Single Wing Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Cody Long, RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Trey Famion, RB/LB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Wayne Rohrer, OL/DL, 6-0, 245, Sr.; Grant Hegg, LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Zane Hoback, RB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Hunter Reiling, LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Rialey Majors, DL, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Kahne Truelove, OL, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Kent Stukey, OL, 5-10, 205, Sr.
Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Jack Kraus, OL/DL, 240, Sr.; Cody Parthemer, RB/DB, 190, Sr.; Riley Marx, RB/ LB, 200, Sr.; Kelby Eck, TE/LB, 180, Sr.; Noah Bruce, TE/DL, 230, Sr.; Jonah Meyer, RB/DL, 185, Sr.; Wyatt Spexarth, QB/DB, 180, Sr.; Tegan Orth, TE/ DB, 180, Sr.; Gage Prosser, RB/LB, 185, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cody Parthemer, 162 car., 1,138 yds., 15 TDs Passing: Wyatt Spexarth, 36-62, 731 yds., 6 TDs Receiving: Noah Bruce, 9 rec., 214 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Kelby Eck, 67 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We graduated a great senior class (49-1 in the last four years and 38 wins in a row). We will need several people to step up and fill some roles, especially on the offensive line and in the defensive secondary.”
Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Mark Hoffman, QB, Sr.; Brody Hayes, RB/DB, Jr.; Carter Long, RB, Jr.; Luke Young, OL/DL, Sr.; Colton Spellman, OL, Jr.; Brett Loader, TE/LB, Sr.; Braylon Berry, DL, Jr.; Paxton Ryals, DL, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cody Long, 113 car., 571 yds., 7 TDs; Zane Hoback, 79 car., 325 yds., 3 TDs Passing: N/A
Offense: Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Logan Gess, RB/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Hayden Parkison, OT/DT, 5-10, 235, Sr.; Lane Fisher, TE/LB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Michael Colbert, OG/DE, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Jeffrey French, OT/DT, 5-10, 215, Sr.; James Martin, CB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Dylan Zanatta, WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Javen Alexander, QB/LB, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Gage Maggard, OG/LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Carson Mazzocco, CB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Caleb Pujols, C/DE, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Jacob Grant, WR, 6-3, 170, So.
Notes: Baxter Springs fields one of the top baseball programs in Kansas, but have been unable to produce similar results on the football field. The Lions are in the midst of a 25 game losing streak that dates back to Week 1 of the 2019 season. Russell Burr enters his second season at the helm for the Lions with 12 returning starters back to help end the streak. The Lions need to increase offensive production after scoring 18 points or less in every contest last season with three shutouts. Fortunately the entire offensive line returns with another year of experience. Defense may be an even bigger concern after BSHS allowed at least 37 points in six games a season ago. Baxter Springs’ schedule doesn’t do the Lions any favors. Class 3A District 1 is among the toughest in the state with Columbus, Frontenac, Galena, and Parsons all talented and tough competition.
Returning Statistical Leaders
TDs Receiving: Jaxon Luckner, 7 rec., 54 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Weston Burford, 61 tkls. Sacks: Ty Cash, 3 sacks Interceptions: Cooper Williams, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We graduated a very good group of seniors that had played a lot of football for Clearwater. Up front on both sides of the ball we graduated some three-year starters. Then skill position players on both sides will be affected by graduation. Offensively, record setting QB Tyler Fugarino looks to continue to develop and take on a heavier leadership role. Weston Burford, Cooper Williams, and Jax Luckner are returning skill players that saw significant time last year and need to step up and deliver to help the offense. The offensive line returns starters Hayden Demuth, Rocky Hennes, and senior leader Jackson Haslett. Defensively, we graduated the entire secondary and D-line. A strong nucleus of linebackers who all started at one point return though, including Ty Cash, Collin Streit, Jacob Finney, Bryson Snell, and last year’s leading tackler, Weston Burford. The defense will rely on their experienced linebackers to set the ways of the defense. Offensively, Clearwater will need to adapt again with a significant chunk of their production lost due to graduation.”
Notes: The Wildcats return plenty of pieces to improve on last year’s 4-5 record. Key will be consistent production on offense. In the Wildcats’ four wins last season they scored at least 20 points in each contest and in three of them they scored at least 26 with a high of 42. In their five losses they scored in double digits just once. Fortunately for seventh year Burlington head coach John Petrie he returns three experienced offensive linemen and a pair of backs to help his Single Wing offense pick up steam this fall. Cody Long earned first team all-league honors for his work in the backfield last fall and Zane Hoback appears poised for a breakout season after finishing eighth at State in the 100 meter dash and posting a 4.56 40 and 33.6 inch vertical at the Sharp Performance Showcase this summer.
Notes: Football and track state championships, that’s what Andale does! Sixth-year coach Dylan Schmidt returns six of 11 starters on both sides of the ball and appears poised to continue the streak of three straight State Titles and five straight semifinal appearances. Quarterback Wyatt Spexarth and running back Cody Parthemer return as a potent 1-2 punch in the backfield while defensive MVP Riley Marx returns as one of the top prospects in Kansas with offers from UTEP, Old Dominion, and SEMO. Marx, Parthemer, tight end Noah Bruce, and D-lineman Jonah Meyer all return after earning first team all-league last year. While Jack Kraus, Tegan Orth, and Wyatt Spexarth all earned second team or honorable mention. In five years as Andale’s head coach, Schmidt has lost just two games.
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Notes: Graduation gutted the Cheney offense taking quarterback Harrison Voth and his 2,500 passing yards and 39 TDs, wide receivers Luke Grace and Dayton Higgs and their combined 1,600 yards receiving and 30 touchdowns, running back Quincy Thomas and his 900 all-purpose yards and eight scores, and three offensive linemen. Also graduated from the defense are three all-league linemen, an all-league linebacker, and an all-league defensive back. Fortunately for sixth year head coach Shelby Wehrman he has 22 returning lettermen to help ease the transition to a whole new set of skill players. Jack Voth is the Cardinals’ top returner after catching 34 passes for 558 yards with eight touchdowns and earning all-league honors for his linebacker play where he nabbed three interceptions. Two returning O-linemen will protect an all new backfield.
Receiving: N/A Tackles: Grant Hegg, 44 tkls.; Cody Long, 41 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals this year are to improve on our 4-5 record, be competitive in every game, improve as a team, as a person, as a student, and as a player, every day. The keys to success will be summer workouts and developing an O-line.”
Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Brody Hayes, 57 tkls. Sacks: Brett Loader, 4 sacks Interceptions: Brody Hayes, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to be NCKL champions and make a playoff run. The key will be to stay healthy and get the young players to develop well.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Brody Hayes, 496 yds., 8 TDs; Carter Long, 506 yds., 5 TDs; Mark Hoffman, 476 yds., 7 TDs
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 stack Returning starters: Tyler Fugarino, QB, Sr.; Jackson Haslett, OL/DL, Sr.; Cooper Williams, WR, So.; Weston Burford, RB/LB, Jr.; Hayden Demuth, OL, Sr.; Rocky Hennes, OL, Jr.; Ty Cash, LB, Sr.; Collin Streit, LB, Jr.; Jacob Finney, LB, Sr.
2021 Record: 10-1 / Central Plains League Head Coach: Shelby Wehrman (6th year, 39-15) Assistants: Bill Block, Kevin Schultz, Dustin Hague, Richard Offense:OliverSpread
2021 Record: 1-7 / Frontier League Head Coach: Bob Lisher (2nd year, 1-8; 24th overall, 149-93) Assistants: Spencer Bonner, Chad Berger, Grant BaChura, Tyler Dufour, Tony Jones Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Jack Harvey, QB/S, Jr.; Jake Van Horn, OT/DL, 6-4, 235, So.; Brett Davidson, OT/ DL, 6-3, 225, So.; Sam Darnell, WR/OL, 6-3, 195, Sr.
Notes: For the second straight year the Tigers finished 4-5, but last season could’ve been very different. After opening with dominant victories over Abilene and Jeff West, the Tigers dropped a three overtime heartbreaker to Wamego, 47-41. A competitive loss to Riley County was followed by a blowout at the hands of Concordia before another heartbreaking two week stretch that saw Chapman edge the Tigers 20-19 and Marysville get one of their two wins on the season, 10-3 in overtime. The Tigers ended the year on a high note with dominant wins over Council Grove and Scott City. The three-headed monster of Mark Hoffman, Brody Hayes, and Carter Long return to drive Marc Henry’s Flexbone offense, while Hayes also returns as the Tigers’ leader on defense where he recorded 57 tackles and four interceptions last year. Brett Loader is back to harass opposing QBs after posting four sacks a season ago.
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to be a competitive program. We are working very hard to get there and I’m confident that we will. Our players are going to work hard and we hope to see the fruits of that work.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jack Harvey, 300 yds. Passing: Jack Harvey, 900 yds. Receiving: Sam Darnell, 31 rec., 490 yds. Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We need to stay healthy and develop depth quickly in order to improve on last year.”
2021 Record: 13-0 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, DIV Head Coach: Dylan Schmidt (6th year, 61-2; 7th overall, 64-8) Assistants: Tim Fairchild, Derek Deegan, Mike Blasi, Tyler Ryan, Chris Joly, Jordan Ungles, Andrew Bergkamp, Tucker O’Hair
Offense: Option Run Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Nick Anderson, QB/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Brayden Lexow, OL/DL, 5-7, 230, Sr.; DJ Messerly, DL/TE, 6-1, 235, Jr.; Ian Suther, RB/DB, 6-2, 170, Jr.; Troy Boyd, OL/DL, 6-4, 285, Sr.; Xander Yeauger, OL/DL, 6-1, 265, Sr.; Weston Langvardt, OL/DL, 6-3, 255, Jr.
CHAPMAN CHENEY CLAY CENTER COMM. CLEARWATER 2021 Record: 4-5 / Pioneer League Head Coach: John Petrie (7th year, 34-23) Assistants: Tim Johnson, Justin Logan, Tate Petrie
2021 Record: 7-3 / North Central Kansas League Head Coach: Kurt Webster (6th year, 21-24) Assistants: Tom Smith, Brian Sweet, Wade Chamberlin, Timothy Coles, Nick Woodbury
2021 Record: 0-9 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee Head Coach: Russell Burr (2nd year, 0-9) Assistants: Tim Parrish, Jeff McCoy, Kyler Cook, Austin Williams
Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Carson Middleton, DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Hudson Ditgen, LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Levi Rust, OL, 6-3, 348, Sr.; Jack Voth, WR/LB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Taj Thomas, OL, 6-1, 210, Jr.
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Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A
2021 Record: 8-2 / Cherokee-Neosho-Crawford
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2021 Record: 2-7 / Pioneer League Head Coach: Luke Catloth (2nd year, 2-7) Assistants: Matt Stevenson, AC Russell, Steven Lamer, Ross Nolan Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Dallas Kueser, Sr.; Braden Blaufass, Sr.; Noah Wheeler, Jr.; John Wright, Sr.; Trey Clark, Jr.; AJ Schaffer, Jr.; Porter Foltz, Jr.; Preston Kueser, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Zane Betz, 80 car., 449 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Hunter Vaughn, 90-153, 1,095 yds., 13 TDs Receiving: Zane Betz, 19 rec., 207 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Hunter Vaughn, 27 tkls.; Breon Barton, 20 tkls.; Tyler Rehmer, 20 tkls. Interceptions: Hunter Vaughn, 3 INTs; Breon Barton, 2 INTs Notes: Colby suffered a losing season for the first time under coach Rees McKinney, going 4-5 with close losses to Cimarron (26-14), Ulysses (28-22), and Russell (28-14). In the previous four seasons under McKinney the Eagles posted records of 6-3, 9-1, 8-2, and 6-4 for one of the most successful four-year stretches in Colby football history. While the Eagles roster is not loaded with experience this fall it does include talent at the skill positions in quarterback Hunter Vaughn and running back Zane Betz. Betz is an emerging talent to keep an eye on in northwest Kansas while Vaughn is one of the top senior quarterbacks and defensive backs in the GWAC after passing for over 1,000 yards and recording three interceptions on defense a season ago. Vaughn is a talented football player, but is better known for his skill on the basketball court where he averaged nearly 20 points a game last season. Breon Barton provides good size at outside linebacker as does Tyler Rehmer along the interior lines. The Eagles welcome back just one returning lineman and will especially miss the play of graduated big man Ian Rosales.
Notes: Neal Philpot led the Trojans to their best season in 10 years last fall and he welcomes back a number of key pieces from that squad. Luke Niggemann is back at QB after throwing for over 1,000 yards and 19 TDs and he’ll be joined in the backfield by 650-yard rusher Alex Coester. Big play slotback Ethan Davidson is back and four offensive linemen also return. Coester will lead the defense from his linebacker spot and a deep group of defensive linemen will rotate and stay fresh. The Trojans won their first 10 games a year ago – including a Week 8 matchup with eventual 3A runner-up Frontenac – but Holton was just too much for GHS, shutting them out 36-0 in quarterfinals.
2021 Record: 4-5 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee Blake Burns (4th year, 20-8) Assistants: Matt Crain, Heath Perry, Taylor Spear, Kale Smith, Caleb Linn Offense: Spread, Pro Defense: Odd Front Returning starters: Rydge Delmont, OL/DL, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Jaydn Hale, OL/LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Jake Eddington, OL/DL, 5-10, 265, Sr.; Kayden Cox, WR/ DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Cade Saporito, WR/DB, 5-6, 150, Sr.; Landin Midgett, WR/DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Cole Minor, WR/LB/P, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Brett Hamilton, QB/ LB, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Jaspen Tanner, WR/DB/K, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Luke Gray, WR/DB, 5-7, 145, Jr.; Carter Henry, OL/DL, 5-10, 240, So.
Notes: Job one for Galena will be to replace the lost production of standout QB Brett Sarwinski, one of the best athletes in school history. Fortunately for veteran coach Beau Sarwinski the graduation of his son is the only glaring loss for the Bulldogs. The entire offensive line is back to block for 650-yard rusher Zane Turner and big tight end Tyler Little is one of the top players in the Midwest. Little is also an excellent defender and together with Isaiah Dunaway and Kobe Myers gives the ‘Dogs a formidable core on D.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Alex Coester, 108 car., 648 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Luke Niggemann, 52-108, 1,078 yds., 19 TDs Receiving: Ethan Davidson, 7 rec., 218 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Alex Coester, 25 tkls. Sacks: Adam Shireman, Juan Pizarro, 3 sacks ea. Interceptions: Alex Coester, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for the year are to prepare each week to be 1-0, win our district, and make a playoff run.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Zane Turner, 106 car., 649 yds., 5 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Tyler Little, 32 rec., 495 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Isaiah Dunaway, 64 tkls. Sacks: Tyler Little, Devan Heady, Isaiah Dunaway, 3 sacks ea. Interceptions: Zane Turner, Dawson Mooney, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have high expectations and goals every year. We want to win a District championship, Regional, Sectional, Sub-State and State Championship. We have a strong senior class that has high expectations. We will play hard and be physical.”
Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-3 Returning lettermen: 25 Returning starters: Kyan Ensign, LB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Mason Hernandez, RB/DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Gentry Deeds, RB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Maverick Spresser, TE/ LB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Manny Gonzalez, DB, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Brysun Waters, RB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Rhett Ihrig, LB, 6-3, 200, So.; Harrison Bhend, OL/DL, 6-5, 190, Sr.; Witton Peter, OL/DL, 6-0, 305, Jr.
Head Coach: Beau Sarwinski (16th year, 120-41) Assistants: JC Dawes, Jacoby Martin, Zach Shockey, Randy Brooks, Cory Perry Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Zane Turner, QB/DB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Dawson Mooney, RB/LB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Tyler Little, TE/DE, 6-6, 240, Sr.; Matthew Ramos, OL/ DL, 5-9, 210, Sr.; Kobe Myers, OL/DL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Isaiah Dunaway, OL/DL, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Gage Lawson, WR, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Raheem Sajid, WR, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Tante Paul, DB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Hayden Qualls, RB/DB, 5-10, 165, So.; Devan Heady, OL/ LB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Ty Hall, OL/DL, 6-6, 235, Sr.; KC Hopkins, OL, 5-8, 165, Sr.
Notes: Graduation takes standouts Keyan Miller, Dalton Owen, and Cav Carlgren, and top junior LB Cameron Cleveland transferred to Sacred Heart. Fortunately for fourth year head coach Jordan Echer eight experienced starters return to help CHS try to post a fourth straight season of at least five wins. Senior Stryker Hake is back to lead the D in his fourth year as a starter. Hake has 13 career INTs with 163 career tackles. Three returning O-linemen will help protect an all new group in the backfield.
2021 Record: 8-3 / North Central Kansas League Head Coach: Jordan Echer (4th year, 18-11; 7th overall, 26-32) Assistants: Scott Coppoc, Brad Wildeman, Trey Kuhlman, Rowe Hinkle
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Offense: Wing-T/Gun T Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Stryker Hake, LB/DB, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Alec Francis, WR/CB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Lance Howard, DL, 5-11, 315, Sr.; Michael Ashland, DL, 6-0, 275, Sr.; Joey Henderson, WR, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Keegun Beims, LG/DE, 6-1, 270, Jr.; Jace Tholstrup, RT/DT, 6-2, 260, Jr.; Alec Wildeman, TE/LB, 5-11, 160, Sr.
Notes: Anderson County was competitive in several games last season under first year coach Luke Catloth, but offensive production was an issue as the Bulldogs could muster more than seven points in only four games on the season, and even then the point totals were 14, 14, 21, and 25. The Bulldogs head into the 2022 season having graduated significant size and experience up front including Chaylin Peine (6-5, 280), Dalton Kellerman (6-3, 225), and Reece Katzer (6-9, 230). Peine accepted an offer to play O-line at the University of Central Arkansas, Katzer is at Coffeyville Community College, while graduated RB/LB Fisher Galey is at Hutchinson Community College. The Bulldogs played a brutal schedule last year with five teams that won at least six games, and three of those winners of at least 10 games, including eventual 3A State Runner-up Frontenac.
2021 Record: 10-1 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee Head Coach: Neal Philpot (6th year, 27-22) Assistants: Jeremiah Hudson, Jeff Leslie, Ben Niggemann, Jacob Towery, Justin Zornes
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Mason Hernandez, 77 car., 410 yds., 6 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Mason Hernandez, 24 rec., 286 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Kyan Ensign Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Coming into this year our strengths are having a good cour group of seniors returning, a large number of varsity experience, and we will continue to build out our offensive scheme from last season.”
Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Cordell Searan, LT/DE, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Caleb Combs, LG, 6-1, 195, Jr.; Ryan Jarboe, C/DL, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Arrick Williams, RG/DL, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Justin Ferguson, RT/LB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Luke Niggemann, QB, 6-4, 200, Sr.; Beau Harris, Slot, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Ethan Davidson, Slot/DB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Alex Coester, RB/LB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Juan Pizzaro, DE, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Adam Shireman, RB/DE, 6-1, 170, Sr.
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Mario Menghini, 123 car., 942 yds., 11 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Mario Menghini, 19 rec., 345 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Peyton McDonald, 42 tkls.; Mario Menghini, 42 tkls.; Jack Lusker, 41 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Mario Menghini, 6 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We want to win the CNC League and District Championship. We also want to make a strong playoff run again in 2022. Our team will have to gain experience on the fly in 2022. We lost 18 seniors and we will need to find some depth in all positions this fall. We must be physical on both sides of the football. We will have to replace our entire OL and DL from last season, so competition in the summer and fall camp will be very important to our success this season. We must be able to take care of the football on offense, and we will have to create turnovers on defense. We must be able to establish our running game on offense, and our number one priority on defense will be to stop the run.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Brett Hamilton, 59 car., 146 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Brett Hamilton, 38-86, 653 yds., 8 TDs Receiving: Cole Minor, 19 rec., 388 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Jaydn Hale, Kayden Cox, 48 ea. Sacks: Jaydn Hale, 2.5 sacks Ints.: Kayden Cox, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to be one of the hardest working teams in the area. We must take pride in doing things with maximum effort, focus and intensity. If we can do those things we will have great opportunities to win ball games. We must be solid tacklers and limit mistakes on offense, defense and the kicking game. If we have a relentless effort to accomplish those things each week we will be happy with where we are at the end of the season.”
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2021 Record: 10-3 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee
2021 Record: 2-7 / Great West Activities Conference Head Coach: Jordan Moshier (2nd year, 2-7; 4th overall, 8-18) Assistants: Jeremy Stefan, Darren Hopson, Chris Seohner, Zion Doyle
Notes: After going 16-3 in Blake Burns first two seasons the Titans finished a disappointing 4-5 last fall, especially considering the experience and talent returning to the roster from 2020’s 8-1 squad. But 11 starters are back to prove last year a fluke. Brett Hamilton appears poised for a breakout season at QB and he has his top three receivers back. Landin Midgett also returns as a top WR and DB for the Titans after missing last season with a broken leg.
Notes: Mark Smith enters his second decade as the head coach of the Raiders with a roster gutted by graduation. If he is to lead Frontenac to another title game berth this season he’ll do it with mostly new faces carrying the load. He does have one of the top players in southeast Kansas back in senior running back and D-back Mario Menghini who accounted for 1,300 yards of offense with 14 TDs and made 6 INTs.
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Notes: The Cowboys won just two games in the first year under coach Jordan Moshier, but three of those losses were very close, including a Week 2 matchup with Norton that took three overtimes to see the Bluejays win 33-27. Moshier welcomes back nine starters from a year ago including versatile senior Mason Hernandez, who led the team with 410 yards rushing, 286 yards receiving, and 11 total TDs. The offense did take a bit of a hit when QB Cole Linton opted to play fall baseball. As a sophomore last year Linton was 56 of 130 passing with 628 yards and three TDs. He also rushed for 260 yards on 122 carries, though he did throw 11 INTs. Hernandez may factor in the passing game after he went 4 for 7, with 108 yards and two TDs against no interceptions.
2021 Record: 4-5 / Great West Activities Conference Head Coach: Rees McKinney (6th year, 33-15; 7th overall, 38-19) Assistants: Matt Sims, Ryan Mosier, Tucker Branum, Tommy Cline Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Hunter Vaughn, QB/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Tyler Rehmer, OL/DL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Breon Barton, OLB, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Zane Betz, RB, 6-0, 182, Jr.
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Stryker Hake, 18 car., 162 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Braeden Primeaux, 2-5, 38 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Joey Henderson, 16 rec., 279 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Stryker Hake, 76 tkls. Sacks: Lance Howard, Michael Ashland, 1 ea. Interceptions: Stryker Hake, 6 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “In 2022 the Panthers will look to fill in several key positions with new faces. These players will range from seniors who have been involved heavily in the Friday night rotations, to sophomores who played JV last year with some special teams snaps on Fridays. The strength for the Panthers will be that it’s our second year in a new defensive and offensive system.”
Head Coach: Mark Smith (11th year, 79-32) Assistants: John Palumbo, Bill Sullivan, Brady Hill, Jesse Offense:WallMultiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Mario Menghini, RB/CB, 6-3, 195, Sr.; Jack Lusker, LB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Peyton McDonald, LB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Tyler Antie, P, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Vinny Pile, K, 6-1, 175, Jr.
Notes: After a Week 1 win over Riverside the Panthers lost eight straight and gave up at least 46 points in all but one loss. RHS closed the season with optimism though, erupting for 42 points in a four-point loss to Baldwin, 46-42. Ten experienced players return for year two under David Boucher, but the Panters are still young with only three returning senior starters.
Notes: Fourth-year Hiawatha coach Michael Downard quietly continues his rebuilding project at the northeast Kansas 3A school. The Redhawks are 1-8, 3-6, and 4-5 in his first three seasons at the helm. It was either blowout the opponent or be blown out last fall for HHS, with three wins by at least 38 points and four losses by at least 34 points. Nine starters return to help the Redhawks take the next step. Senior Brandt Barnhill and sophomore Tyler Willich give Downard at pair of viable options at QB. Barnhill showed off excellent speed at this summer’s Sharp Performance Athlete Discovery event. Willich also led the team in tackles as a freshman.
Wishbone Defense: Odd Front Returning starters: Cooper Baxter, OL, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Brody Page, OL, 5-9, 220, Sr.; Tristen McCammon, OL, 5-11, 240, Sr.; Ty Phillips, OL, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Dalton Rousch, OL, 5-10, 235, Jr.; Charlie Gilliland, TE, 6-0, 190; Jace Bosswell, LB, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Garyson Booth, LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Matt Lierz, DB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Jayden Fletcher, RB/LB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Caleb Hernandez, DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Kayden Wheeler, TE/FS, 6-0, 165, Jr.
2021 Record: 4-5 / Great West Activities Conference Head Coach: Jay Witt (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Jose Licon, Trey O’Neil, Stephen Perrera, Caleb Brill Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Zevin Little, WR, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Cade Reynolds, OT/LB, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Sebastien Gonzalez, C, 6-0, 225, Jr.; Robert Williams, OT, 6-1, 200, So.; Santiago Marcias, RB/CB, 6-0 170, Sr.; Griffen Heger, RB/S, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Adam Mendoza, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Isaac Martin, RB/DE, 6-2, 210, Jr.; Kaden Hackson, LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Kevin Littell, C, 6-1, 160, Sr.
Assistants: Ben Wiehn, Dana Daugharthy, John Taylor, Doug Kerr, Brandon Westerman Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Landon Weide, QB, 5-11, 160, Jr.; Carter Hutton, WR/S, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Danny Boeken, OL, 5-11, 230, Jr.; Jaydon Morrison, OL, 5-10, 190, Jr.; Jarrett Hermann, S, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Mac Leonard, LB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Jake Skahan, DL, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Drayden Reiter, LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Drayden Reiter, 116 yds., 1 TD Passing: Landon Weide, 1,047, 10 TDs Receiving: Carter Hutton, 44 yds. Tackles: Jake Skahan, 32 tkls. Sacks: Jake Skahan, 4 sacks Interceptions: Jarrett Hermann, Carter Hutton, 1 INT ea.
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Notes: Plenty of experience is back to help the Swathers improve on consecutive 4-5 seasons. Talented junior QB Hudson Ferralez (2,400 yds., 27 TDs) gets back 6-4 WR Jake Proctor (721 yds., 9 TDs) and the majority of his O-line.
2021 Record: 4-5 / Central Kansas League Head Coach: Tyson Bauerle (6th year, 29-20; 8th overall, 39-29) Assistants: Doug Broadfoot, Phil Unruh, Chris Koehn, Dylan Warden, Todd Deering, Shaka Lucas, Rich Wingfield, Parker Broadfoot
2021 Record: 4-5 / Big 7 League Head Coach: Michael Downard (4th year, 8-17) Assistants: Gordon Gundersen, Dalton Witt, Carey McFann, Frank Newell Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-4 / 4-4 Returning starters: Ashton Rockey, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Tyler Willich, DB/QB/RB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Brandt Barnhill, DB/QB/RB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Josh Smith, WR/DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Xavier Oldham, RB/LB/K, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Peter Campbell, LT/DL, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Clyde Craine, RG/DL, 6-0, 217, Sr.; Lucas Linares, LG, 5-10, 287, Sr.; K.J. Holub, LB/TE, 6-2, 220, Sr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 98 HESSTON HIAWATHA HOLCOMB HOLTON
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Treyson Murata, 651 yds. Passing: 15-36, 97 yds. Receiving: Aiden McKinsey, 43 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Treyson Murata, 70 tkls.; Jamison Shane, 55 tkls. Sacks: Oscar Ayala, 3 sacks Interceptions: Treyson Murata, Aiden McKinsey, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are a team that is growing and trending in the right direction. We have starters returning on both sides of the ball and there should be a hungry feeling in their stomachs. We believe that playing the next play is important. We don’t look to the past for success. The RV community is a great one to play for, and we are excited to show the growth we have made. Our goals are to compete harder every play, be a beacon of hope for our community, and grow in confidence.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Isaac Martin, 95 car., 407 yds.; Adam Mendoza, 30 car., 397 yds., 1 TD; Santiago Macias, 27 car., 237 yds., 3 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Santiago Macias, 29 rec., 503 yds., 5 TDs; Adam Mendoza, 30 rec., 496 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Cade Reynolds, 137 tkls. Sacks: Isaac Martin, 4 sacks Ints.: Griffen Heger, 6 INTs; Adam Mendoza, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for this year are to get past the first round of the playoffs, play as a team, and never give up. The key to our success is staying healthy and relying on our incoming freshmen, who were undefeated as seventh and eighth graders, to contribute early.”
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “By the looks of it we can be a really deep team that may take some time to develop. By the end of the year we may see more players on the field on offense, defense and special teams. I like the way our younger group is developing.”
Notes: A two-point loss to rival Scott City and an 11 point loss to eventual 3A quarterfinalist Cheney were the only blemishes on Holcomb’s regular season record. A dominating first round playoff win over Hesston delivered the Longhorns a road matchup with current 3A superpower Andale, where they were dispatched with extreme prejudice, 51-0. The biggest hole for the Longhorns to fill this year is that of graduated QB Kaden Johnson, who passed for almost 4,500 yards and 54 touchdowns in his threeyear varsity career. But five experienced linemen return to protect the new QB and receivers Damon Mesa and Chris Palacios, along with running back Khai Cosner, provide the Longhorns a quality trio of returning skill players. Cosner and Mesa also return as the top two leading tacklers on the Longhorn D.
HOYT-ROYAL VALLEY HUGOTON IOLA KC-BISHOP WARD 2021 Record: 1-8 / Big 7 League Head Coach: David Boucher (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: Dawson DeShazo, Kenny Swart, Jarrett Roy, Austin Doty
Offense: Inside-Outside Belly Series Defense: 4-2-5
Returning starters: Treyson Murata, S/RB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Jamison Shane, DB/RB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Ashton Wood, OL/DL, 5-10, 235, Sr.; Panosh Wabaunsee, FB/LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Cody Wassinger, OL/DE, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Tyson Parks, OL/LB/PK, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Oscar Ayala, FB/DE, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Aiden McKinsey, QB/CB, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Ethan Brossett, FS, 5-6, 155, Jr.; Robert Griffith, OL, 5-10, 280, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders
2021 Record: 4-5 / Independent Head Coach: Greg Duggins (11th year, 42-53) Assistants: Sam Ridley, Mike Beaven, Josh Burgoon, Ed Zukel, Louis Oropeza, Rod Podrebarac, Steve Lawrence, Jamie Carpenter
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Offense: Spread Defense: Even Front Returning starters: Tigean Lange, C, 6–0, 245, Sr.; Cooper McCormick, G/DL, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Tyrone Taylor, G/DL, 5-8, 188, Sr.; Aedan O’Halloran, G/ DL, 5-10, 207, Jr.; Beau Warden, TE/DL, 6-0, 225, Jr.; Karter Gonzalez, FB, 5-10, 205, So.; Hudson Ferralez, QB, 6-1, 188, Jr.; Jake Proctor, WR/LB, 6-4, 190, Sr.; Hayden Hartung, OL/DL, 5-11, 217, Sr.; Brett Cox, LB, 5-9, 166, Sr.; Jackson Fry, DB, 6-1, 168, Jr.; Blake Hansen, DB, 5-11, 150, So.; Adrian Hernandez, DL, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Colton Diller, DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Bailey Reed, LB, 5-8, 160, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Brett Cox, 20 car., 40 yds.; Bailey Reed, 9 car., 45 yds. Passing: Hudson Ferralez, 193-274, 2,436 yds, 27 TDs Receiving: Jake Proctor, 42 rec., 721 yds., 9 TDs Tackles: Jake Proctor, 53 tkls., Brett Cox, 42 tkls. Sacks: Cooper McCormick, 3.5 sacks Ints.: Brett Cox, Isaac Sanchez, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Swather Football 2022 returns a large amount of experience looking to get back on the right side of things in the playoffs. We return 20 letterwinners and seven starters on both offense and defense. Numbers in the program have grown each of the last three years which has created a solid amount of depth between varsity and junior varsity squads. Fourteen seniors return with most having started as juniors on offense, defense, or both.”
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our expectations are to mold the best men we possibly can. Our goals are to win the league and win the district. Our strength is our kids. While many of them have not started, they have a lot of playing time under their belt. Additionally, the group of kids we have now are a close group of kids, so the teamwork and camaraderie will help build a winning team.”
Notes: The Mustangs posted an eighth straight losing season last fall but were oh so close to ending that streak. Three of Iola’s final four losses were by nine points or less with a Week 6 loss to Prairie View (23-20), a Week 8 loss to Burlington (20-18), and a Week 9 loss to Cherryvale (15-6). The Mustangs return eight starters including 1,000-yard passer Landon Wiede at QB and Jake Skahan and his four sacks back on defense. Jarrett Hermann and Carter Hutton return in the secondary after each grabbed an interception last fall. The Mustangs will miss the graduation of speedster Brett Willis.
Notes: The Eagles return 10 starters for a team trying to get above .500 after four straight seasons going 4-5. The Eagles do have to replace QB Gavin Williams and top returning rusher Isaac Martin appears to be the leading candidate for the job. He’ll have a variety targets in the passing game with Santiago Macias and Adam Mendoza the top pass catchers back. Cade Reynolds (137 tkls.) is back to lead the D after earning All-GWAC honors as a linebacker. Griffen Heger and Mendoza return in the secondary after combining for 10 INTs last fall.
Rushing: BJ Johnson Jr. Passing: None Receiving: Dustin Rector Tackles: Kam Yarbrough Sacks: Chris Brown Ints.: Dustin Rector Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We need to build off last year’s successes. We lost 14 seniors last year so many of our younger players will have to step up. Our focus will be on sound fundamental football while becoming more competitive and focused. We will strive to get better each day, and with our growing numbers, we should be very competitive. I am excited with the returning lettermen that we are getting back and the number of starters that we have in key positions is good.”
SIX brunaimplementco.comLOCATIONS
Notes: Holton returns an experienced team and will be among the favorites to represent the east in the 3A title game. Brooks Barta’s Wishbone offense returns five backs who got at least 38 carries, combining for 3,459 yards and 44 TDs. The Wildcats have a little less experience on D, but return seven of the top 13 tacklers. Jace Boswell emerged as one of the state’s top college prospects this summer and announced his commitment to North Dakota in July.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Khai Cosner, 60 car., 305 yds., 7 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Damon Mesa, 32 rec., 566 yds., 9 TDs; Chris Palacios, 23 rec., 274 yds., 2 TDs
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Garyson Booth, 99 car., 961 yds., 12 TDs; Jayden Fletcher, 123 car., 845 yds., 12 TDs; Matt Lierz, 54 car., 719 yds., 12 TDs; Jace Boswell, 101 car., 655 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Matt Lierz, 14-36, 311 yds., 6 TDs Receiving: Charlie Gilliland, 6 rec., 166 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Jayden Fletcher, 68 tkls.; Garyson Booth, 65 tkls. Sacks: Charlie Gilliland, 6 Ints.: Jayden Fletcher, 3 INTs; Matt Lierz, 2 INTs
2021 Record: 11-1 / Big 7 League Head Coach: Brooks Barta (26th year, 246-57) Assistants: Joe Purcell, Cameron Karn, Alex Bartel, Brian Meerpohl, Matt Hudley, Trent Tanking, LD Offense:Fletcher
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2021 Record: 7-3 / Great West Activities Conference Head Coach: Kent Teeter (8th year, 65-22; 23rd overall, 128-88) Assistants: Jerry Johnson, Lance Cornelson, Andrew Homer, Trey Teeter Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Khai Cosner, RB/LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Chris Palacios, WR/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Damon Mesa, WR/LB, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Ethan Haremza, OL/DL, 6-0, 245, Sr.; Kooper Tichenor, OL/DL, 6-2, 265, Jr.; Cross Palacios, OL/DL, 5-9, 190, Jr.; JP Lares, OL, 5-11, 240, Jr.; Tristan Ortner, TE/DE, 6-0, 185, Sr.
Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: BJ Johnson Jr., RB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Roderick Strong, RB/LB, 5-10, 212, Sr.; JaShaun Holiday, WR/CB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Dustin Rector, WR/ FS, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Juan Lopez, OG, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Raul Gonzalez, C, 5-10, 240, Jr.; Chris Brown, DE, 6-5, 225, Sr.; Kam Yarbrough, DE, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Jayvion Braden, LB, 6-2, 205, Jr.; Dinero Jones, LB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Corey Stewart Jr., LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Juan Delgado, K/P, 6-0, 200, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Brandt Barnhill, 82 car., 500 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Brandt Barnhill, 41-91, 600 yds., 8 TDs Receiving: Ashton Rockey, 11 rec., 110 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Tyler Willich, 63 tkls. Sacks: Peter Campbell, 2 sacks Ints.: Ashton Rockey, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We return nine starters with 17 total lettermen and the bulk of offense and defensive production. Key to our success will be up front. With three returning lineman we should be physical and control the LOS. If we can do that we should have some success. We will have good experience. This is probably the best I have felt, personnel wise, since I have been at Hiawatha.”
Notes: In his second stint as Bishop Ward coach, Greg Duggins has led the Cyclones to a third straight season of improvement (0-9, 2-5, 4-5) and has a few key pieces back to help continue the trend. He will have to replace 1,300 yard passer Christian Stein and Shrine Bowl linebacker Daniel Brown, but 12 experienced starters are back to help Duggins continue the upward trend. Plumbing Inc.Bell Inc.
2021 Record: 2-7 / Pioneer League Head Coach: David Daugharthy (6th year, 13-30)
Tackles: Khai Cosner, 72 tkls.; Damon Mesa, 66 tkls. Sacks: Cross Palacios, 4 sacks; Khai Cosner, Damon Mesa, 3 sacks ea. Interceptions: Damon Mesa, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have a good number of returning players on both sides of the ball. We will need some underclassmen to fill in the leadership roles of the seniors we lost.”
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Notes: After nine years Dustin Heuer steps away from the Marysville program and former longtime Valley Heights coach Tony Trimble takes over. Trimble spent a season at Hutch as an assistant for the Salthawks last year after his son, Cody, took over the Valley Heights program last fall. Trimble welcomes some key returners back to help smooth the transition including a potential star in linebacker and tight end Peyton Smith. The 6-2, 215 pound senior has over 130 tackles in his varsity career and nine sacks. Rook and Rhett Williams provide a pair of offensive skill players with Rook manning the quarterback position and Rhett holding down a receiver spot, though the duo could change roles in the new offensive scheme. A couple of offensive linemen also return.
Notes: Second year coach Beau Gadwood returns just four lettermen from last year’s 1-8 team. He’ll especially miss graduated offensive and defensive lineman Kaden Fields, who is off to play at Emporia State. The Trojans were very competitive at times last year losing games to Burlington (28-22) in Week 3, Santa Fe Trail (15-14) in Week 4, and Jeff West (8-6) in Week 9 by razor thin margins. In the other five losses on the season OHS never scored more than 12 points and allowed at least 38 points in each game. They were shutout three times on the season. The good news? The Trojans play in a balanced district this year and outside of clear favorite Wellsville, every team should have a chance to beat each other on any given Friday night.
Bruce Offense: Option
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing:
Notes: Coach Kyle Littrell continued his successful run at Prairie View leading the Buffs to a 6-3 record last fall. The season ended earlier than expected with a surprising loss to Parsons in the playoff opener, 28-26. The Vikings were a team the Buffs beat 38-14 in Week 3 of the season. Littrell has now led the Buffs to at least six wins in four straight seasons, the most successful stretch for Prairie View football since the 1970s. This fall he’ll likely have his biggest challenge with the program since his first season with the school in 2017 as he returns just two starters and bids farewell to a great senior class that helped PVHS to a 32-7 record the past four years. All-State selections Colton McCammon, Bodi Isenhower, Damien Kline, Zach Thies, and Andrew Reynolds were among the key graduation losses.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 99 jmbensoncpa@yahoo.com Office: (785)827-3157 Fax: (785)827-3159 1911 S. Ohio Salina, KS 67401 Benson Accounting Sp e c i a l i z i n g i n s m a l l b u s i n e s s e s
2021 Record: 6-3 / Pioneer League Head Coach: Kyle Littrell (6th year, 36-14; 12th overall, 81-38) Assistants: Jason Spradling, Will Shannon, Aaron Law, Joe Cullor Offense: Multiple I-formation Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: John Burk, T/DT, Sr., Garret Cullor, WR/CB, 5-10, 140, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team goals are to get better every day and to compete with passion.”
Assistants:
Notes: The Tigers started last season 0-3 and were outscored 134-14 before posting a Week 3 win over Royal Valley, 30-12. A four-game losing streak followed with the Tigers outscored in those contests 216-26. Jeff West ended the season on a high note with a win over Osawatomie, 8-6. While coach David Bowen says the Tigers will field a relatively young squad this fall they do welcome back seven starters with six of those in the Class of 2023. Sam Broxterman is back as the top returning rusher and receiver from last year and three offensive linemen return to help him find even more offensive production this fall. The Tigers graduated all-league defensive back Kaden Stones, but return honorable mention selections Austin Anderson at receiver and Garrett Casto on the defensive line. Bowen is in his second season at Jeff West after spending the two seasons prior at Baldwin. He started his career in southwest Kansas at Stanton County in 2016 with a two season stint before moving on to TMP-Marian in Hays for one season in 2018. Taylor Bauman (1st year; 6th overall, 22-24) Xavier Hoover, Parker Defense: 4-3 Colton Morrell, QB/DB, 6-0, 173, Sr.; Matthew Monroe, OL/DL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Kohen Starnes, RB/LB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Mario Ortiz, WR/DB, 5-8, 162, Sr.; Jace Byard, WR/DB/LB, 6-2, 174, Sr. Colton Morrell, 73 car., 346 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Colton Morrell, 60-161, 910 yds., 5 TDs
Receiving: Mario Ortiz, 13 rec., 199 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Kohen Starnes, 64 tkls. Sacks: Matthew Monroe, 3 Ints.: Kohen Starnes, Jace Byard, 1 ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “This team is presented with the challenge of replacing key players lost to graduation. We have to be simple on defense, so that they can play fast and not think. Offensively, we need to be disciplined and continue to build on the work put in over the summer. We expect great character and leadership from our returning players. They are a close knit, passionate group and we expect them to spread these qualities throughout the team during the course of the year.”
2021 Record: 2-6 / North Central Kansas League Head Coach: Tony Trimble (1st year; 17th overall, 8064) Assts.: Ben Wertenberger, Ben Schaefer, Bert Lord, Landon Wright, Tommy Brinegar, Bryce Hedke Offense: Multiple-Option Defense: 4-2 Returning starters: Peyton Smith, TE/LB, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Rhett Williams, WR/DB, 6-3, 201, Sr.; Rook Williams, QB/DB, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Thomas Behrens, OL/LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Juandre Walton, OL/DL, 6-2, 240, Sr.
Notes: The Vikings return one of the most experienced and talented teams in the Central Kansas League this fall with 13 players with starting experience including the three-headed monster of Karson Pihl (QB), Trystan Stambaugh (FB), and Justice Autry (RB) in the backfield. A big offensive line will look to pave the way for even more rushing yards this fall. Stambaugh and Austin Sharp are back to lead the defense from their linebacker positions, but the Viking D will miss graduated Kansas Shrine Bowl selection Haven Lysell-Stewart after he posted 97 tackles and two interceptions last fall. Now playing college football at Oklahoma Baptist, Lysell-Stewart also made 26 catches for 344 yards and three TDs from his tight end spot.
Notes: After a five years as head coach at Stafford, and a 22-24 overall record, Taylor Bauman makes the jump from 8-Man to 3A this fall, replacing Reggie Langford after he spent one season as the Panthers’ head coach. Bauman welcomes back just five players with starting experience, but they come from a variety of spots on the field. Bauman inherits a program that has often struggled in the win column including a 1-16 mark the last two seasons. The Panthers did enjoy a solid three-year run from 20152017 under current Hutch High head coach Mike Vernon. The Panthers were 17-13 during that stretch.
2021 Record: 1-8 / Pioneer League Head Coach: Beau Gadwood, (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: Sean Tuttle, Logan Swartz, Garrett Offense:PetersonWing
Returning starters:
T Defense: 4-2-5
Returning starters: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to compete in every game and win league. To do this we will need to attack everyday with purpose, respect the process, and be the best version of yourself.”
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Sam Broxterman Passing: N/A Passing: Sam Broxterman Tackles: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to continue to grow as a young team. The young players will have a huge impact on how well we will play.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Justice Autry, 142 car., 803 yds., 8 TDs; Trystan Stambaugh, 147 car., 648 yds., 8 TDs Passing: Karson Pihl, 793 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Kade Blanchat, 12 rec., 157 yds. Tackles: Austin Sharp, 58 tkls.; Trystan Stambaugh, 57 tkls. Sacks: None Ints.: Kade Blanchat, Max Bieker, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We return nine starters on both sides of the ball. We should also have more speed and power than a year ago. We will need to increase our depth which can be hard with a small junior class. We have a lot of potential and experience to be better.”
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Rook Williams, 68 car., 338 yds. Passing: Rook Williams, 45-93, 622 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Rhett Williams, 24 rec., 324 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Peyton Smith, 63 tkls. Sacks: Peyton Smith, 7 sacks Interceptions: Rook Williams, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to learn a new system as quickly as possible so the kids have confidence in what we are doing and can utilize the talent this group has. The keys will be total buy-in to a new system and taking advantage of the kids’ positive attributes.”
2021 Record: 5-4 / Central Kansas League Head Coach: Tim Lambert (7th year, 40-28; 29th overall, 205-100) Assistants: Chris McClure, Allen Meier, Ben Elliot, Courtney Strauss, James Offense:HendersonI-formation Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Kade Blanchat, RB/SS, 6-4, 190, Sr.; Trystan Stambaugh, FB/LB, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Gus Griffith, OL/DT, 6-4, 275, Sr.; Justin Holt, OL/DE, 6-1, 245, Sr.; Justice Autry, RB, 5-6, 140, Sr.; Braxton House, WR, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Alex Grosland, OL, 6-2, 225, Sr.; Karson Pihl, QB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Austin Sharp, C/LB, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Max Beiker, DB, Sr.; Ethan Able, FS, Sr.; Nolan Dauer, DB, Sr.; Vincent Pickering, DE, Sr.
MERIDEN-JEFFERSON WEST 2021 Record: 2-6 / Big 7 League Head Coach: David Bowen (2nd year, 2-6; 6th overall, 13-40) Assistants: Steve Jatala, Justin Schwinn, Briar Ploude Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Austin Anderson, WR/FS, Sr.; Sam Broxterman, RB/SS, Sr.; Keaton Shelman, OL/ OLB, Sr.; Garrett Casto, OL/OLB, Sr.; Cole Gilbert, WR/CB, Sr.; Tristian Muskrat, OL/DL, Sr.; Caleb Morse, FB/MLB, Jr.
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Notes: Standout dual-threat QB Gunnar Ball will again lead the Kaw offense. The senior signal caller returns a pair of quality targets in the passing game in Ty Williams and Kael Gorski. Ball and Williams lead a D that returns six of the top seven tacklers.
2021 Record: 6-3 / Central Kansas League Head Coach: Brent Hoelting (4th year, 11-16; 9th overall, 48-31) Assts.: Anthony Brown, Tyler Strong, Jason Gallagher, Lary Eisenhauer, Parker Titus Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Drake Van Scoyoc, OL, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Easton Rector, OL, 5-9, 260, Sr.; Brock Bourgeois, OG, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Johnny Martinez, WR/ DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; J’air Johnson, WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Max Younie, LB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Carson Hoeme, LB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Sam Bergner, LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Ke’rel Thompson, LB, 5-9, 175, Sr.
Offense:CouchmanWingTDefense: 4-4 Returning starters: Dylan Metzger, QB/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Aaron Ruelas, LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Freddy Castillo-Saenz, K, 5-10, 140, Sr.; Jace Thomas, RB/ LB, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Lawson Bailey, RB/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; JP Harris, OL/LB, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Evan Fry, Return, 5-6, 140, Sr.; Collin McDaniel, RB/DB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Brady Welker, RB/LB, 5-10, 195, Jr.; Avry Noll, QB/ DB, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Houston Frank, OL/LB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Tanner Gooden, OL/LB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Brayden Bruner, OL/DL, 5-10, 235, Jr.; Tracer Chapman, SE/ LB/DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.
Rushing: Jace Thomas, 86 car., 460 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Dylan Metzger, 67-140, 812 yds.
Returning Statistical Leaders
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PARSONS PERRY-LECOMPTON PRATT SANTA FE TRAIL 2021 Record: 2-7 / Pioneer League Head Coach: Nick Fawcett (1st year; 5th overall, 379) Assistants: Chris Fawcett, Nate Houser, Andrew Sprague, Garrett Staten Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Luke Edwards, QB, Jr.; Theron Berckefeldt, RB/LB, Sr.; Trent Sleichter, RB/DB, Jr.; Colton Warthen, RB/LB, Jr.; Cole Flory, OL, Jr.; Jon Greene, OL, Sr.; Matt Coltrane, OL, Sr.; Cody Harmon, OL, Jr.; Luke Greenfield, OL/LB, Jr.; Kyle Strother, WR, Jr.; Chad Robert, LB, Jr.; Austin Weekley, DL, Sr.; Lucas Bellew, DL, Jr.; Cody Slavin, DB, Jr.; Talon Long, DB, Jr.
Notes: Last fall the Beavers posted a losing season for the first time since 1986, according to Mix 94.5 Sports Director Adam Kadavy. The Beavers started the year 4-2 with a pair of one touchdown losses to Cimarron (26-20) and Russell (12-7), but fizzled down the stretch losing the final three games of the year by at least 28 points, including a pair of shutouts. Fourteen starters return to prove last year was a fluke including first team All-GWAC running back Jace Thomas and first team linebacker JP Harris. The Beavers will have the bulk of their offensive line back and should benefit from the return of second team all-league kicker Freddy CastilloSaenz and punter Brady Welker.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Colton Warthen, 129 car., 878 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Luke Edwards, 67-143, 1,062 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: Theron Berckefeldt, 14 rec., 287 yds. Tackles: Chad Robert, 45 tkls. Sacks: Austin Weekley, 3 sacks Ints.: Colton Warthen, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “With our young guys getting a lot of reps last year, we know the expectations are high and we embrace that to the fullest. That’s part of the reason why I chose to come to SFT. I fully believe that we can build something special here with the guys that we have.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Gunnar Ball, 148 car., 583 yds., 8 TDs Passing: Gunnar Ball, 109-177, 1,242 yds., 15 TDs Receiving: Ty Williams, 39 rec., 358 yds. 4 TDs; Kael Gorski, 37 rec., 624 yds., 10 TDs Tackles: Ty Williams, 64 tkls.; Gunnar Ball, 63 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: Gunnar Ball, Reiki Tuley, 2 INTs ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will return a good nucleus from the 2021 team and will look to build on that veteran group to lead our team. We will look to develop more consistency in our execution on offense and be able to sustain drives and control the football. We will want to improve defensively in getting off the field on third down and limiting big plays. The goals for this program remain the same as we will focus on getting better every day in practice, prepare with a purpose, and play hard on every snap. If we can understand the value of executing our jobs correctly and playing with great effort, we will have a chance to be successful.”
Notes: After 12 years as head coach Jayson Duncan steps down and former St. Francis coach Nick Fawcett takes over after spending last season at Ulysses. Duncan won just two games in his first four seasons at Trail before leading the team to the semifinals and nine wins in 2014, launching a streak of five straight winning seasons. The Chargers were just 4-14 the last two years, but Fawcett inherits a team loaded with experience – 15 players who started at some point – and welcomes a strong freshman class. With 11 starters back in the junior class the Chargers could be ready for a two-year run.
2021 Record: 7-4 / Mid-East League Shane Sieben (4th year, 15-13) Assistants: Monte Spiller, Justin Smith, Garin Beam, Patrick Bramhall, Darwyn Offense:SweetmanSpreadDefense:
2021 Record: 4-5 / Great West Activities Conference Head Coach: Jim Turner (7th year, 46-17) Assistants: Brian Gentry, Landon Frank, Todd Richardson, Michael McEachern, Derek Brau, Colborn
Notes: Jeff Schibi turned the Vikings from 3-6 to 7-3 in his second year as head coach last fall and he returns loads of experience from that squad. Two big holes are left by graduated Fort Hays signees Dion Sylvester (46 rec., 766 yds., 8 TDs; 62 tkls., 3 INTs) and Isiah Tyson (68 tkls., 3.5 sacks). Cade Brown is expected to replace some of that production on D.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jaydon Winans, 93 car., 645 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Dalton Whitworth, 203-337, 2,894 yds., 38 TDs Receiving: Ethan Burgess, 61 rec., 1,030 yds., 11 TDs; Daegen Vinduska, 30 rec., 673 yds., 11 TDs; Yanci Spiller, 50 rec., 531 yds., 9 TDs Tackles: Maddox Ibarra, 100 tkls. Ints.: Maddox Ibarra, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team goals are to contend for a league and regional championship and play our best football at the end of the season. Our goal to success will be improving on both our offensive and defensive lines and being able to run the ball effectively.”
Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Cam Kendrick, DB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Jessie Jones, WR, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Marion Ryan, LB, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Trae Ginder, LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Cole Manners, OL, 5-11, 235, Sr.; Malikh Ferguson, OL/ DL, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Tre Pierce, DB, 6-1, 150, Sr.; Tra Mack, QB, 5-10, 145, Jr.; Jahmarion Washington, RB, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Cade Brown, LB/TE, 6-1, 215, Jr.; JJ Kendrick, WR, 6-0, 155, Jr.; Landon Wheat, WR, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Jayce Quirin, W/P, 5-10, 165, Jr.
SCOTT COMMUNITY
Notes: Brent Hoelting continued the rebuilding project at Pratt last fall improving to 6-3 after 2-7 and 3-6 records his first two seasons. A trio of returning O-linemen, led by All-CKL senior Drake Van Scoyoc, will reduce the impact of the graduation of power back Enoch Walton. Max Younie, Johnny Martinez and Carson Hoeme will be counted on to replace the lost production and together with Sam Bergner and Ke’rel Thompson will also lead the back half of the D.
2021 Record: 7-3 / Independent Head Coach: Jeff Schibi (3rd year, 10-9) Assistants: Jaran Dixon, Raheeme Dumas, Kaito Barr-Miller, Jamario Kendrick, Emilio Aita
Defense: Multiple Odd Returning starters: Gunnar Ball, QB/FS, Sr.; Kael Gorski, WR, Sr.; Ty Williams, SB/LB/P, Sr.; Brayton Leochner, G/DL, Sr.; Walker Pringle, C, Sr.; Jeremiah Monroe, T, Sr.; Cameron Powell, T, So.; Jesse Herman, DE, Sr.; Christian Conklin, NG, Sr.; Parker Schmidt, LB, Sr.; Ryeki Tuley, CB, Jr.; Brett Paramore, LS, Sr.
Rushing: Jahmarion Washington, 121 car., 578 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Tra Mack, 88-163, 1,566 yds., 18 TDs Receiving: JJ Kendrick, 16 rec., 365 yds., 3 TDs; Landon Wheat, 12 rec., 264 yds., 3 TDs; Jessie Jones, 15 rec., 257 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Trae Ginder, 58 tkls. Sacks: Marion Ryan, 3 sacks Interceptions: Cade Brown, Marion Ryan, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our kids are excited and ready to get back to work. Losing at Girard in the Regional Championship left a sour taste in everyone’s mouth. We feel we did not play our best football game. However, that is a team that returns several starters and is also a team that we expect to face if we want to advance deep in the playoffs. Our expectations certainly consist of a District Championship and deep playoff run.”
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Receiving: N/A Tackles: JP Harris, 119 tkls. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to grow as a team, be good teammates, and stay healthy.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Max Younie, 72 car., 734 yds., 11 TDs Passing: Carson Hoeme, 17-40, 354 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Johnny Martinez, 10 rec., 173, 2 TDs Tackles: Sam Bergner, 54 tkls. Sacks: Ke’rel Thompson, 2 sacks Interceptions: Carson Hoeme, 3 INTs.; Johnny Martinez, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have five starters returning on offense and six on defense. We won’t be able to surprise as many people in our second year running the Single Wing and will have to really focus on better execution both offensively and defensively. Our group of young men have bought in and are continuously working to raise the standard. We will have our hands full every Friday night with our league and district schedule.”
2021 Record: 6-4 / Big 7 League Head Coach: Mike Paramore (22nd year, 117-94) Assistants: Caleb Denton, Jordan Allen, Jason White, Mike Offense:KelleySpread
Notes: An absolutely loaded roster that returns a bulk of last year’s production leave the Mustangs and fourth year coach Shane Sieben with the highest of expectations. RCHS is the clear favorite in District 5, but will be challenged by always tough Mid-East League competition and a season opening road test at Southeast of Saline. ST. GEORGE-ROCK CREEK 620-872-7244
Returning Statistical Leaders
Multiple Returning starters: Dalton Whitworth, QB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Jaydon Winans, RB/OLB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Ethan Burgess, WR, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Yanci Spiller, WR/S, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Logan Sturdy, WR/CB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Daegen Vinduska, WR/S, 6-2, 165, Jr.; Maddox Ibarra, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Mason Faith, LT, 6-1, 240, So.; Malachi Bell, C, 5-9, 250, Jr.; Gavin Meyer, RG/DL, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Cooper Bittle, RT, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Kody Howard, LB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Kade Welfringer, LB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Payton McCarn, LB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Trevor Christensen, LB/DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Nash Money, 192 car., 1,561 yds., 30 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: David Signs, 19 rec., 304 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Dez Winton, 6 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The key to our success will be to play together as a team, senior leadership to lead the younger guys.”
Notes: Coach Bill Arnold moved into the top spot on the football coaching wins list at Hayden last fall. Now he’ll try to pad that total behind a big and talented group in the trenches. Notre Dame commit Joe Otting is the feature piece on the line of scrimmage at 6-4, 275, but fellow senior Ben Evans brings plenty of size to the table at 6-3, 270. While Otting is one of the top prospects in the state, Evans saw his recruitment heat up this summer with offers from Garden City and Coffeyville Community Colleges and interest from Stephen F. Austin, Northern Iowa, and others. Junior Carter Charvat joins Otting and Evans along the O-line and the terrific trio will protect a new QB this fall following the graduation of Gavin Arnold. Senior fullback JC Cummings will carry the load in the running game, but new targets are needed in the passing game following the graduation of standout pass catchers Kaelin Rice and TL Thompson. Otting and Cummings will also serve as leaders of a stout D that allowed six points or less in six games last season, including three shutouts.
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Returning Statistical Leaders: Passing: Harvey Zimmerman, 95-155, 1,062 yds., 6 TDs Receiving: 46 rec., 541 yds., 1 TD Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “My goal for this year is to create a culture of hard work and excellence. We will get better each and every day! The key to our success is going to be the weight room and staying healthy.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: JC Cummings, 108 car., 611 yds., 12 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Jensen Schrickel, 11 rec., 223 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: JC Cummings, 53 tkls.
WELLSVILLE 2021 Record: 8-2 / Ark Valley-Chisholm Trail, Div.-IV Head Coach: Troy Black (4th year, 24-8; 8th overall, 51-21) Assts.: Mike Gehrer, Bill Messamore, Mark Cotton, Phil Keys, Brandon Russell, Jason Ramsey
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Sacks: Joe Otting, 9 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “With the growth we had this winter and spring in the weight room, as well as in the leadership aspect, we are very excited about making a run at the State Title this year.”
WICHITA COLLEGIATE WICHITA-TRINITY ACADEMY 2021 Record: 1-8 / Central Plains League Head Coach: Trey Hall (1st year) Assistants: Polo Marchal, Keenon Brinkley, Brandon Eck Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 101 2021 Record: 8-2 / Independent Head Coach: Bill Arnold (15th year, 131-44; 23rd overall, 189-63) Assistants: Wes Meier, Chuck Thompson, Eddie Kidd, Howard Tush, Doug Spencer
Returning starters: Decker Hayes, OL/DL, Sr.; Ethan Jantz, WR, Sr.; Harvey Zimmerman, QB, Jr.; Donald Collier, WR/DB, Jr.; Braxton Morris, RB/ LB, Jr.
Notes: Former Sunrise Christian coach Trey Hall takes over at Trinity this fall and inherits a team with just three wins in the last four seasons, including a 1-8 finish last year. The Knights allowed at least 36 points in all eight losses, including 96 to three-time 3A power Andale. Trinity scored more than 13 points just four times last year including a 19-18 win over Douglass in Week 3 and a 42-20 loss to Kingman in Week 2. The Knight offense erupted for 41 points in a 48-41 loss to Nickerson to close the season, which is doubly impressive considering the squad ended the season with less than 20 players available. Hall anticipates having closer to 30 out this fall with QB Harley Zimmerman and WR Donal Collier –honorable mention all-league receiver and defensive back – among the top returners. The Knights will miss graduated all-league selection Jess Hancock.
Notes: If the offensive line can protect standout Wesley Fair (K-State DB commit) the Spartans will again be a contender in Class 3A. The best news for fourth year coach Troy Black? The Spartans aren’t in Andale’s district this fall and are the likely favorites in District 6.
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TOPEKA-HAYDEN 2021 Record: 10-1 / Pioneer League Head Coach: Mike Berg (4th year, 18-11) Assistants: Duane McCarthy, Bill Oshel, Rob Hedrick, Jerry Hunsaker, Chad Berg Offense: Pro I Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Nash Money, RB, Sr.; Willie Dorsey, QB, Jr.; Dez Winton, WR/DB, Jr.; David Signs, TE/LB, Sr.; Brody Lee, WR, Jr.; Kye Fouts, C, Sr.; Nathan Seaman, DE, Sr.; Wes Soertart, DT, Sr.
Notes: After three straight 4-5 finishes the Eagles enjoyed a breakout 10-win season last fall. Mike Berg enters his fourth year at Wellsville after a lengthy stint as head coach at Baldwin ended in 2016. He’ll have one of the top running backs in Kansas back this fall as Nash Money enters his senior season with more than 2,300 career rushing yards and over 40 career touchdowns. If Money is to continue his assault on the Wellsville rushing record book he’ll do it behind an O-line that graduated three all-league selections. First team All-Pioneer league tight end David Signs is back to bolster the offense, but Berg will break-in a new quarterback following the graduation of second team all-league selection Dylan McCarty. The defense took a hit following the graduation of all-league linebackers Dylan Schnoor and Jake Berg, and the transfer of D-lineman Kaleb Green (13.5 sacks) to Gardner-Edgerton in the offseason. All-league defensive back Dez Winton and his six interceptions return to provide consistency behind the new faces on defense. The Eagles bump up to 3A this fall but are still the likely favorites in a district that includes Baldwin, Bishop Ward, Osawatomie, and Santa Fe Trail – teams that combined for eight wins last season, with four of them by Bishop Ward.
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Wesley Fair, QB/FS, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Johnny Abromeit, WR, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Conner Jones, WR, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Hayden Malaise, TE, 6-1, 211, Sr.; Brett Wetta, DB, 6-2, 160, Jr.; Carson Phelps, RB/DB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Jaden Mitchell, WR/ DB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Conner Gagnon, LB, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Tristan Sprole, OL, 6-2, 220, So.; Mason Charbonneau, DL, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Brett Black, OL, 6-3, 245, Sr.
Offense: Wing-T Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Joe Otting, OG/DE, 6-4, 275, Sr.; Ben Evans, OT/DT, 6-3, 270, Sr.; JC Cummings, FB/ILB, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Jensen Schrickel, WR, 5-8, 140, So.; Ethan Florence, RB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Drew Crady, FB, 5-9, 190, Jr.; Carter Charvat, C, 6-2, 225, Jr.; Jude Konrade, LB, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Jameson Kennedy, FS, 5-10, 175, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Wesley Fair, 170 car., 950 yds., 18 TDs Passing: Wesley Fair, 72-130, 985 yds., 8 TDs Receiving: Jaden Mitchell, 13 rec., 125 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Conner Gagnon, 60 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: Wesley Fair, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have a great group of seniors and our goal is to improve upon our finish from a year ago. We have a lot of skill position players back. We have most of our offensive guys that gave us our offensive production back. We have some very talented underclassmen that are skill players as well. We have very good team speed in the skill positions. We have guys that have had big game experience. Our goal as always is to get better each week and compete for our league and district title and make the playoffs and make a run. The key to the season is to develop our offensive and defensive lines. We need to be effective throwing the football and stopping the pass. Our defense needs to take things to a different level. We need to create more turnovers and get off the field on third downs. We need to be more physical.”
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COACH, DERRICK HAMMES KANSAS PREGAME CLASS 2A PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. Southeast of
CLASS 2A
(Photo: Rex Wolf/TopSports.news)
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 103 son, allowing more than 14 points in just three games – all three of them quality losses for a 7-3 Thunder squad. From that defen sive unit eight starters return. Senior Connor Deters and All-State junior Holden Bass provide a combined 550 pounds of mass on both the offensive and defensive line, with All-State linebacker Cooper Hajek and All-State defensive back Brayden Uphaus providing security in the case that someone slips by the hog mol lies up front. Offensively the Thunder bring back six starters with Hajek the leader in production after he earned All-State honors at running back with 646 rushing yards and 10 TDs.
Humboldt brings back a majority of their roster from 2021’s 6-4 team with their only big question coming at QB after the gradua tion of Gavin Page. All-State seniors in back Trey Sommer and receiver Dakota Slocum, along with the return of four offensive linemen, give the Cubs a dangerous offense. And a defense led by All-State senior D-lineman River Kaufman and Sommer could be the nail in the coffin for most opponents. Osage City finished 8-2 last season and brings back one of the best QBs in 2A, All-State senior Landon Boss, who had a re markable 31 TDs from scrimmage with no interceptions a year ago. A strong group returning around him makes the Indians a dangerous matchup for just about anyone. Seven offensive and eight defensive starters return for Caney Valley after they went 5-4 in 2021. Replacing All-State senior Trey King and Kylar Brandon should pose some challenges for the Bullpups, but veteran head coach Criss Davis has produced solid teams time and again, with his last losing season in 2003. Sabetha finished 4-5 last season, but had an extremely young starting lineup that is now entirely consisting of upperclassmen. An experienced roster and an offense led by All-State senior run ning back Josh Herrman should allow the Blue Jays to take a step forward this fall. TMP returns seven offensive and defensive starters from last year, including dual-threat QB and All-State defensive back Kade Harris, who gained just under 2,000 yards passing and rushing and had 100 tackles defensively last season, helping the Monarchs to an 8-3 mark. Norton finished 4-5 last season, but returns nine offensive and defensive starters, including All-League trio of senior backs Silas Jones, Garrett Urban and QB Sean Anderson, along with their entire offensive and defensive lines.
Silver Lake saw the retirement of coaching legend CJ Hamilton over the summer after a 9-3 finish in 2021. New head coach Logan Pegram has a challenge ahead of him after graduation decimated last year’s roster, but it’s a safe assumption that we haven’t seen an end to Silver Lake’s winning ways.
Defensively, the Cardinals return most of their unit that allowed more than 21 points only twice last season.
By Keegan McCullick & John Baetz, Kansas Pregame Rossville rolled to another State Title behind the arm and legs of Kansas Pregame coverboy Torrey Horak in 2021, and it’s offi cially safe to say the job Derrick Hammes has done as he enters his 10th year at Rossville is among the best in state history. The most recent was the Bulldawgs’ second straight state title and fifth in the last eight seasons. They’ve also gone 8-4 against rival powerhouse Silver Lake, won five league titles, recorded the program’s first undefeated season in over 50 years in 2014, and followed that with more perfect seasons in 2015, 2020, and 2021, all since Hammes and Washburn Rural coach Steve Buhler essentially traded jobs in 2013. As Rossville looks to 2022, they have some major holes to fill with just five offensive and four de fensive starters back, including the loss of Horak to graduation, but Hammes feels good about the QB competition between se nior Kade Perine, junior Camden Horak, and sophomore Tayson Horak. The return of four upperclassmen on the O-line, as well as senior backs Braiden Hensley and Trenton Barker, should ease the learning curve for whoever wins that competition. Perine makes for an experienced target after his 500 yard season at re ceiver last year in the case he doesn’t win the QB competition. Defensively, Perine and Barker return as starters from last year’s secondary, while senior Jacob Carver and junior Barrett Lietz are two of the best in 2A along the Dawg D-line. One of the most intriguing teams in 2A this season is Southeast of Saline. The Trojans bring back seven offensive and five de fensive starters from a team that went 11-1 and didn’t lose until meeting the meat grinder that is Andale football in the 3A semifi nals. They gave Andale their toughest test of the year in the 37-16 loss and made a case for themselves as the second best team in the classification last fall. The Trojans return All-State senior QB Luke Gebhardt, who threw for 2,389 yards and 31 TDs, with 569 rushing yards and 11 more scores on the ground. His targets include the 3A State Runner-up in the 100, Michael Murray, who nearly had 500 receiving yards last year, and Luke’s twin brother, All-State senior Jacob Gebhardt, who had nearly 600 receiving yards. There are some questions on the offensive line and defen sive side of the ball, but with the Trojans strong core and a proven track record for head coach, Mitch Gebhardt – Luke and Jake’s dad – Southeast is a force to be reckoned with in 2A. Nehama Valley’s defense was one of the best in the 2A last sea “I would like to see this roster playing experienced and confident football during the district portion of the season when it matters most.
Hoisington has some big question marks in their backfield with the graduation of running back Legend Robinson and QB Wyatt Wikum, but nine starters return on each side of the ball. A massive offensive line featuring All-State senior Cole Gilliland, AllState junior Caiden Hoffman, and senior Logan Philbern, give the Cardinals the muscle to buy time for the new backfield in 2022.
Coming off a 9-4 State Runner-up finish, Beloit says goodbye to QB Owen Eliert to graduation, but brings back the Trojan’s holy trinity, a great offensive line, a stingy defense, and a run game with the goal of crushing opponents. Senior All-State running back Benson Berndt ran for 1,832 yards with 25 TDs last season, but missed the title game to injury. Fellow senior Logan Arasmith pro vides a nice complement to Berndt in the backfield. The duo has the protection of arguably the best lineman in 2A, senior Grady Seyfert, with four starting offensive linemen total from last year’s team. Defensively, Arasmith and junior defensive back – and probable starting QB – Quinn Eilert were All-League in the sec ondary, while juniors Parker Isbell and Maddox Waters provide an experienced linebacker corps. Seyfert, meanwhile, is coming off a Sports in Kansas Defensive Player of the Year nod after a dominant junior season on the defensive line. Kingman narrowly lost to Beloit last season in the state semi finals 22-19 and from that team return seven starters on both sides of the ball. The All-State trio of senior QB Nolan Freund, senior receiver Avrey Albright and junior multi-position back Carter Helm give Kingman plenty of tools behind a line that returns three starters. Defensively, all-state senior Jake Fischer is among the strongest pound-for-pound defenders in Kansas and leads a unit that allowed zero points in five games last year.
Being our best at the right time will be this team’s goal.”ROSSVILLE Saline Hoisington, Humboldt, Norton, Osage City, TMP Rossville celebrated their second straight 2A State Championship after a 35-12 victory over Beloit.
2. Rossville 3. Nemaha Central 4. Beloit 5. Others:KingmanCaney Valley,
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jackson Knight Passing: N/A Receiving: Stetson Shafer Tackles: Ethan Schierlman Sacks: Danny Vigil Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to compete to the best of our ability. We need to carry a positive self-image onto the field.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Austin Clark, 74 car., 624 yds., 6 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Jackson Swartz, 31 rec., 783 yds., 8 TDs Tackles: Aiden Guy, 58 tkls.; Ely Jackson, 52 tkls. Sacks: Ely Jackson, 7 sacks Interceptions: Jack Francis, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We bring back a strong core group of seniors who have been starting since their freshman or sophomore year. We also bring back all of our statistical leaders except for our quarterback. Offensively, it will be hard to replace a 2,000-plus yard passer, but we will have lots of key players around the new quarterback to help carry the load. Excited to be in year two with our new offensive and defensive schemes to be able to add to both.”
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have a solid core of players returning from last year’s State Runner-up team. We return the vast majority of our rushing attack led by seniors Benson Berndt and Logan Arasmith. We also return one of the best players in the state in Grady Seyfert (OL/DL), along with Wesley Adolph and Brody Widrig on the O-line.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jackson Griffin, Astin King Passing: Garrett Watson Receiving: Tyler Cunningham Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for this year are to compete week in and week out. We should have pretty good speed on our team this year also.”
2021 Record: 1-8 / Flint Hills League Butch Hayes (4th year, 5-22; 12th overall, 53-56) Assistants: Broc Finch, Derron Reddick, Jay Simecka
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Holden Kite, 16 car., 33 yds. Passing: None Receiving: Trace Kopper, 47 yds. Tackles: Ethan Ogles, 29 tkls. Sacks: None Interceptions: Kade Moler, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are a very young team who will start a lot of underclassmen. Even though we are a young team, our goals for this coming year will be to compete at a high level in each and every game. With losing 14 seniors from last year’s team, our young kids will need to step up and play big roles this coming year.”
Head Coach: Brad Gober (6th year, 33-22) Assistants: Kevin Harris, Garry Lowry, Brock McMillan, Casey Seyfert
Notes: After a narrow Week 1 loss to Maur Hill (2214) and a Week 3 win over West Franklin (44-20) it appeared the Braves could compete against the rest of the schedule. But CG was outscored 380-58 in the final six games of the year, including a 56-0 shutout against a two-win Goodland team in Week 9. Now, an experienced team is back to turn things around against a much more managable 2A schedule with more Flint Hills League opponents.
Notes: New head coach JC Zahradnik made an immediate impact last fall leading the Roadrunners to an 8-2 record after a 2-6 finish the season prior. The finish was largely impacted by the play of graduated QB Wyatt Drouhard, who threw for 2,300 yards and 31 TDs in his first season of football since the eighth grade. Fortunately for Zahradnik, returning standout Jackson Swartz is back after leading the team in receiving, but could play QB, a position he started at as a sophomore.
Notes: Zack Fredrickson takes over a Raven team that sandwiched four wins – two to start the season, and two to end the season – around a four-game losing streak last fall. Fortunately he’ll have seven returning starters to help Maur Hill try and post a ninth straight season of .500 or better. Mark Harris is one of the top returning QBs in the classification and will try to improve on last fall’s 1,500 yards passing and 18 TDs. He’ll have Parrish Beagle to throw to after the senior caught 12 passes for 220 yards a year ago. Harris will have four returning starters on the O-line as well. Running back Thomas Rziha also doubles as the team’s top returning tackler after he posted 74 tackles a year ago. Beagle is one of the top D-backs – and baseball players – in the NEK with nine interceptions the past two seasons. Sam Joyce and Adam Caudle will again harass opposing QBs.
Notes: Caney Valley under Criss Davis is a consistent winner. The Bullpups’ record has not fallen below .500 since a 2-7 season in 2003. CV has made the playoffs in 12 straight seasons and 16 of the last 18. This fall they return plenty of experience to continue that trend with a move down to Class 2A. The district schedule is likely favorable with Cherryvale, Fredonia, and Neodesha all posting four wins or less last fall and eight-win Riverton welcoming a new coach with a number of key players graduating. While CV is a consistent winner under Davis, they are in search of their first playoff win since 2017. Avoiding teams like Girard, Prairie View, Columbus, Frontenac, and Galena in district play and early rounds of the playoffs should help.
2021 Record: 5-4 / Tri-Valley League Head Coach: Criss Davis (20th year) Assistants: Jeff Wyrick, Nick Dupuis, Tell Wyrick, Travis Young
Offense: Multiple Power Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Grady Seyfert, OL/DL, 6-2, 275, Sr.; Brody Widrig, OL, 5-10, 260, Jr.; Wesley Adolph, OL, 6-2, 235, Sr.; Maddox Waters, TE/WR/OLB, 6-4, 200, Jr.; Benson Berndt, RB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Branson Hiserote, RB/LB, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Logan Arasmith, RB/ DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Quinn Eilert, DB, 6-1, 150, Jr.; Parker Isbell, OL/LB, 5-8, 195, Jr.
2021 Record: 3-6 / Tri-Valley League Head Coach: Daniel Vaughn (1st year; 3rd overall, 10-8) Assistants: Alex Mese, Moises Rivera, Devin Offense:Hestand Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Jackson Knight, Stetson Shafer, Danny Vigil, Ethan Starrett, Ethan Schierlman, Trevin Elam
2021 Record: 8-2 / Central Plains League Head Coach: JC Zahradnik (2nd year, 8-2)
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Benson Berndt, 274 car., 1,832 yds., 25 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Maddox Waters, 10 rec., 249 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Grady Seyfert, 71 tkls.; Quinn Eilert, 66 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Parker Isbell, Logan Arasmith, 2 INTs ea.
While we return a lot of our offense, we will have to replace some quality players on defense. Look for Maddox Waters to have a big year for us on O and D. We will need our one-way starters last fall to take the next step as two-way players this season.”
2021 Record: 9-4 / North Central Activities Assoc.
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Ace Monihen, QB/LB, 6-0, 185, So.; Ethan Burton, WR/DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Kahle Jones, TE/LB, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Anthony Monihen, WR, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Jace Goodman, WR/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Jaxon Buchman, OL/DL, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Connor Garver, OL/DL, 5-9, 250, Jr.; Dax Meyers, OL/DL, 5-10, 200, So.; Jax Buchman, DL, 6-3, 270, Sr.; Hayden Buttrey, LB, 5-10, 160, So.; Holden Ziegler, FB/LB/DE, 6-1, 230, So.
2021 Record: 2-7 / Central Plains League Head Coach: Blake Alexander (1st year; 4th overall, 16-12) Assistants: Drew Carder, Devin Metzinger, Chance Offense:WhiteheadSpreadDefense: Multiple Returning starters: Kye Jones, WR/DB, 5-8, 135, Sr.; Konner Kielhorn, WR/DB, 5-11, 171, Sr.; Michael Kielhorn, TE/LB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Jordan Stoffel, QB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Brock Stiner, WR/DB, 5-5, 120, Jr.; Wade Morgan, RB/DL, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Jace Pichler, LB, 5-10, 190, So.; Shane Damron, OL, 6-2, 170, Jr.
Assistants: Jody Iams, Joel Gerber, Tyler Clubine, Jeff Green, Sloan Baker Offense: Air Raid Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Austin Clark, RB/LB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Jack Francis, WR/DB, 5-7, 160, Sr.; Eli Gates, OL/DL, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Carson Gates, OL/DL, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Ely Jackson, OL/DL, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Jackson Swartz, WR/DB, 6-5, 165, Sr.; Joe Ord, WR/LB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Aiden Guy, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Carson Bandy, WR/DB, 5-10, 145, Jr.
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2021 Record: 7-3 / Great West Activities Conference Head Coach: Casey Flax (1st year) Assistants: Jack McEnaney, Ashely Seabolt, Austin Stebens Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Layne Johnson, OL/DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Andrew Bogner, OL/DL, 5-11, 195, Jr.; Trace Kopper, QB/DB, 5-9, 155, So.; Ethan Ogles, LB, 5-8, 155, Sr.
Notes: Former Cimarron assistant Casey Flax takes over the head coaching position from Mike Schartz and inherits a roster gutted by graduation. Flax is the son of former Trego and St. Marys head coach Myron Flax. He played for his dad at Trego, later was an assistant for his dad at St. Marys, and now takes over the Bluejay program after two years as an assistant to Schartz. The most glaring hole Flax will need to fill is that of graduated dual-threat quarterback and defensive back Braxton Harrison, one of the top players in southwest Kansas last fall. The Bluejays return virtually zero offensive production from a team that went 13-7 the past two seasons. The good news for Flax? Cimarron is a consistent winner, having posted at least six wins in each of the last eight seasons, and 10 of the last 12. Cimarron plays in 2A District 7 with Hoisington and Lakin the likely favorites.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Wade Morgan, 114 car., 598 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Jordan Stoffel, 44-121, 654 yds., 4 TDs
Notes: While the Trojans have to replace quarterback Owen Eilert, they get back 1,800-yard rusher Benson Berndt and a big front line. After a nine-win season that saw the Trojans limp into the title game with an injury depleted roster and still compete with powerhouse Rossville, coach Brad Gober enters 2022 with a team that should again finish the year deep in the playoffs.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Thomas Rziha, 95 car., 430 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Mark Harris, 108-178, 1,454 yds., 18 TDs Receiving: Parrish Beagle, 12 rec., 220 yds. Tackles: Thomas Rziha, 74 tkls. Sacks: Adam Caudle, Sam Joyce, 3 sacks Interceptions: Parrish Beagle, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team’s key to success will be playing hard, fast, and physical football, taking it one game at a time, and execution on both sides of the ball.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Ace Monihen, 90 car., 311 yds. Passing: Ace Monihen, 55-164, 1,109 yds., 10 TDs Receiving: Ethan Burton, 24 rec., 580 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Jace Goodman, 44 tkls. Ints.: Jace Goodman, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We had to play a number of young, inexperienced players last season, and although we took our share of lumps and bruises, we did gain some valuable experience that will help us compete and achieve the goals we’ve set this season. Our numbers continue to go up, giving us quality depth and competition. It will also allow us to platoon more than what we’ve done in the past. The team has had a great offseason and we will be bigger, stronger, faster, and have more experience than last year.”
Notes: Kelley Sayahnejad took the middle school athletic director job at Clearwater and Blake Alexander is the new Douglass head coach. Alexander is the son of former Topeka High coach Walt Alexander, who built the program into a state power in a 14-year run that ended after the 2019 season. He is now at Ottawa. Blake assisted his dad at THS, and he previously played for his dad at Atchison County where he later served as head coach for three seasons. He most recently served as DC for 2A power Rossville the past two seasons.
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2021 Record: 4-4 / Northeast Kansas League Head Coach: Zack Fredrickson (1st year) Assistants: Connor Haynes, Tyler Shepard, Mike Galley, Brian Offense:Harris Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Mark Harris, QB/S, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Sam Joyce, OG/DL, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Adam Caudle, OT/DL/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Thomas Rziha, RB/LB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Johnken Ngwaba, DL, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Brayden Taylor, OL, 5-10, 205, Jr.; Joe Beien, OL, 6-0, 280, Jr.
Receiving: Brock Stiner, 21 rec., 293 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Jace Pichler, 69 tkls. Sacks: Wade Morgan, 3 sacks Interceptions: Kye Jones, Konner Kielhorn, Brock Stiner, 1 INT ea.
Offense: Wishbone Defense: N/A Returning starters: Drake Stapleton, OL/DE, 6-4, 235, Sr.; Tyler Cunningham, TE/DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Jackson Griffin, RB/LB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Garrett Watson, QB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Astin King, RB/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Colton Gilman, OL/DL, 6-3, 240, Sr.; Mitchell Duncan, DL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Seth Hedges, LB, 6-0, 210, Sr.
Notes: After one season at Cherryvale, Robert Henderson accepted the job at Independence, where he replaces new KC-Piper coach John Black. Former Washington County head coach Daniel Vaughn is the third coach in three seasons for the Chargers and he inherits a team that went 3-6 last season. CHS just missed a winning record with a one-point loss to Erie (16-15) in Week 1 and a four overtime marathon loss to Fredonia (28-22) in Week 3. The Cherryvale offense struggled down the stretch, scoring 15 points or less in the final five games, with three shutouts. Vaughn was 10-8 in two season as the head coach at Washington County in 2013 and 2014 and has since spent time as an assistant coach in Oklahoma and at Iola. He welcomes back six players with starting experience to compete in 2A District 1 with the likes of Caney Valley, Fredonia, Neodesha, and Riverton. The district appears wide-open heading into the season, though Caney Valley is a consistent winner under longtime coach Criss Davis.
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our strength is that we have a good group of skill players returning including QB Jordan Stoffel, RB Wade Morgan, TE Michael Kielhorn, and WRs Brock Stiner, Konner Kielhorn, and Kye Jones. We will need to develop an offensive line that lost a lot to graduation, as well as build our numbers and develop a culture of success. Key newcomers will be Sophomores Jace Pichler (RB/LB), and Kyler Moore (DB/QB/RB).”
Notes: After a second consecutive 5-4 season the Tornadoes return an experienced group with a goal of winning a district title. Bruce Munden enters his second season at the helm with 10 returning starters back but does have to break in a new quarterback following the graduation of Cash Fuesz. The athletic Carson Spoonts will make the move from wideout to signal-caller and he’ll have top receiving threat Zach Hilton back to throw to and four experienced offensive linemen to help ease the transition. Hilton is also the team’s top returning tackler with 73 stops a year ago. The Tornadoes play in 2A District 2 with Humboldt and Osage City the likely favorites, and Council Grove also returning lots of experience.
2021 Record: 2-7 / North Central Activities Assoc.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Will Cravens, 92 car., 165 yds. Passing: Will Cravens, 104-194, 1,151 yds., 13 TDs Receiving: Cole Webber, 20 rec., 307 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Loden West, 67 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Josh Rodriguez, Layton Leiker, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will be a very seasoned team. Many of these young men who will be starting have started games since their freshman year. They have two challenging years under their belts. We played in many tight games last season that came down to the fourth quarter. The ball didn’t bounce our way all the time in those games, but the experience will prove to be very valuable.”
Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal for the year is to win a playoff game. To do that we need everyone to come together as a team.”
Interceptions: Trayten Grabast, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to take the next step and start to compete for the district championship. Our key for success is the transition at QB, from Cash Fuesz to first-year QB Carson Spoonts.”
Head Coach: Josh Homolka (6th year, 17-27) Assistants: Jason McWiliams, Kenny Cravens, Marshall Musil, Scott Hipp, Branden Turnipseed, Tanner Offense:RippenMultiple Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Will Cravens, QB/CB, 6-2, 170, Jr.; Loden West, RB/LB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Jordan Rodriguez, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, Jr.; Trenton Hays, OL/ DL, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Cole Webber, TE/LB, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Brendan Anderson, OL/DL, 6-2, 230, Jr.; Josh Rodriguez, WR/CB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Layton Leiker, SS/ WR, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Izaac Vasquez, DL, 6-4, 330, Sr.; Riley Stone, DL, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Chase Bourbon, TE, 6-0, 170, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Bricen Lee, 105 car., 438 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Bricen Lee, 67-98, 1,022 yds., 17 TDs Receiving: Trenton Kimmi, 11 rec., 101 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Trenton Kimmi, 90 tkls. Sacks: Canyon Tull, 3 sacks Interceptions: Bricen Lee, 4 INTs. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Hoping to continue to build on the momentum of last season and trying to repeat as league champions and make the playoffs in consecutive seasons. Get to play a very full league schedule playing six league teams. Returning nine starters on both sides of the ball and will have a very veteran team. Tremendous work was put in all offseason and hoping to establish a strong culture at ACCHS. We have a variety of guys we trust to make impact plays.”
Notes: After spending seven years as a college coach, most recently as the offensive coordinator at the University of Saint Mary, Logan Fritz enters his third season as the head coach at Pleasant Ridge. Fritz led the Rams to a three-win improvement last fall going 5-4 a year removed from a 2-7 record. The Rams did especially well against Northeast Kansas League foes last fall, finishing 4-1 with wins over Jeff County North, Maur Hill, McLouth and Oskaloosa while losing to Atchison County, 22-0. The Rams closed the season with lopsided losses to 2A powers Rossville, Silver Lake and Nemaha Central, in three of the final four games. Expectations are high entering 2022 with eight returning starters including quarterback Cooper Beying, tight end Evan Slapper, and an experienced offensive line. The defense will need to improve after allowing 22 points in all but two games last season.
2021 Record: 6-4 / Central Plains League Head Coach: Todd Rice (1st year; 29th overall, 143-131) Assistants: Cory Brack, Steve Byers, Tyler Cahn, Travis Daerr, Cody Holliday, Joel Taylor, Brent Randolph, James Todd Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2 Returning starters: Elijah Atkins, LB, 6-3, 180, Sr.; Luke Hillman, OL/DL, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Elliot Helten, DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Gage Lee, LB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Jaxen Bollinger, OL, 5-10, 210, Jr.; Aden Stuhlsatz, LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have some good returning players. We have high expectations for the season. Leadership will be a key to our success. We play a tough schedule. We will need to find a couple more leaders and get better as the season goes on.”
2021 Record: 2-7 / Central Kansas League Head Coach: Derek Racette (1st year) Assistants: Sean Racette, Jonathan Burkhart, Ryan Voran, Alex Offense:Queen
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QB Bricen Lee and RB Coltin Myers are back after earning All-NEKL last fall and all linemen return to control the trenches. LB Trenton Kimmi is back after posting 90 tackles a year ago. The Tigers play in 2A District 3 with state powers Rossville and Silver Lake and league foes Maur Hill and Pleasant Ridge.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Skyler Geer, 265 yds., 3 TDs; Owen Farmer, 252 yds., 2 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Owen Farmer, 59 tkls.; Adler Davison, 58 tkls. Sacks: Holden Davis, 2 sacks Interceptions: Owen Farmer, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are very excited for this upcoming season as a coaching staff. We have had a great summer and have seen improvements throughout the program. Our senior and junior classes have become great leaders. We can’t wait to get to game week!”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Luke Gebhardt, 100 car., 569 yds., 11 TDs Passing: Luke Gebhardt, 162-231, 2,389 yds., 31 TDs Receiving: Michael Murray, 33 rec., 489 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: Luke Gebhardt, 33 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: Luke Gebhardt, Michael Murray, Jacob Gebhardt, 1 INT ea.
Rushing: Wylee Boulanger, 59 car., 350 yds., 3 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Zach Hilton, 14 rec., 225 yds., 3 TDs; Carson Spoonts, 17 rec., 216 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Zach Hilton, 73 tkls. Sacks: N/A
2021 Record: 5-4 / Tri-Valley League Head Coach: Bruce Munden (2nd year, 5-4) Assistants: Scott Miller, Brendan Ptacek, Jonah Offense:McKee Multiple Defense: 3-3 / 3-5 Returning starters: Wylee Boulanger, RB/DB, 5-7, 160, Jr.; Carson Spoonts, QB/LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Trayten Grabast, WR/S 5-8, 175, Sr.; Caleb Cornett, WR/DB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Cole Adkins, WR/LB, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Zach Hilton, RB/LB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Cooper Zimmers, OL/LB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Andrew Westerman, OL/DL, 5-11, Sr.; Hunter Scott, OL/DL, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Ethan Boles, OL/DL, 5-8, 170 Sr.
Notes: Marc Svaty enters his sixth year at Fredonia with an experienced quarterback (Joel Dutton) and receiver (Keegan Bryant), but will miss graduated running back Colten Dinkel, who most notably rushed for 216 yards and three TDs on 24 carries and added four receptions with another score in a four overtime win over Cherryvale in Week 3. The Yellowjackets also suffered a pair of one-score losses last fall dipping them below .500 on the year. Dutton also returns to lead the D after a 72 tackle, five INT 2021.
2021 Record: 11-1 / North Central Activities Assoc. Head Coach: Mitch Gebhardt (13th year, 82-37; 21st overall, 110-73) Assistants: Chance Ptacek, Trenton Douglas, Kent Jacobson, Todd Baird Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Luke Gebhardt, QB/S, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Landon Allen, SB/LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Michael Murray, E/DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Jacob Gebhardt, E/DB, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Caden Isaacson, LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Mac Chambers, G, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Jase VanAmberg, LB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Luke Obermeyer, LB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Daniel Kejr, S, 5-11, 165, Jr.
2021 Record: 6-3 / Northeast Kansas League Head Coach: Alex Thornburgh (2nd year, 6-3) Assistants: Paul Courter, Mitch Oswald Offense: Shotgun Wing-T Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Bricen Lee, QB/OLB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Trenton Kimmi, WR/LB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Coltin Myers, TE/DE, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Dalton Damon, OL/ DL, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Tyler McRae, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Vincent Webb, OL/DL, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Canyon Tull, OL/ DE, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Carter Page, OL/DE, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Jeston Vessar, WR/OLB, 5-10, 160, Jr.
Notes: After two seasons, the Dan Adelhardt era at Garden Plain is over and former Clay Center coach Todd Rice takes the reins of one of the most consistently successful football programs in Kansas. Adelhardt went 9-2 and 6-4 in his two seasons leading the Owls, while Rice spent the past four seasons leading the North Platte (Neb.) Bulldogs. Rice improved the NPHS record each year as head coach going 1-8, 3-6, 6-3, and finally 7-4 last fall. From 2009 to 2017 Rice was the head coach at Clay Center where he posted a 46-43 record. Rice told the North Platte Telegraph he accepted the Garden Plain job to get closer to family. He inherits a team that returns very little experience but is a near constant winner with at least six wins in every season since 2015. The Owls have five State Championship game berths in school history with the last in 2007.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cooper Beying, 93 car., 350 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Cooper Beying, 532 yds., 10 TDs Receiving: Evan Slapper, 18 rec., 246 yds., 6 TDs
Notes: A one-loss Southeast of Saline squad was likely the second best team in 3A last year, but the Andale juggernaut was just too much for the Trojans in the state semifinals. Now SES makes the return to 2A, and in spite of notable graduation losses of Matthew Rodriguez, Chase Poague, and several pieces along the offensive and defensive lines, the Trojans are still expected to be among the best teams in the classification. Fortunately, a load of skill player talent returns to help the new guys develop in the trenches. Luke Gebhardt is one of the state’s top returning QBs and Michael Murray is one of the fastest players in the state.
Notes: After eight years as the Dragon head coach and a 54-29 overall record Jason Grider accepted a position as an assistant coach at Bethel College and former Hutch High and Nickerson assistant Derek Racette takes over the Halstead program. The former Friends University All-American football player and javelin thrower will also serve as Halstead’s head track coach next spring. He’ll be joined on the football staff by his father, Sean Racette, who previously was the head coach at Hutch Trinity, where he coached Derek and his teammates to pair of 3A quarterfinal apperances and back-to-back seasons of double digit wins. The older Racette will serve as the Dragons’ defensive coordinator. The Dragons posted winning records in five of Grider’s eight seasons, but went just 4-5 and 2-7 the last two years.
Flexbone Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Adler Davidson, TE/LB, Sr.; Gage Meyer, OL/LB, So.; Owen Farmer, RB/DB, Jr.; Holden Davis, OL, Sr.; Seth Motes, OL, Sr.; Skyler Geer, RB/DB, Sr.; Tucker Divine, DB, Jr.; Aden Armstrong, DL, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: Joel Dutton, 51-113, 1,022 yds., 10 TDs Receiving: Keegan Bryant, 15 rec., 357 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Joel Dutton, 72 tkls. Sacks: Mason Harvey, 3 sacks Ints.: Joel Dutton, 5 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have quite the mix of older, experienced players and newcomers that are looking forward to playing football at the varsity level this year. We do have some skill kids to try to get the ball to in space and we also have two kids that can play quarterback. Our offensive line will be a work in progress with only one returning starter from 2021. Defensively, we have a lot of shoes to fill also from 2021. We will need to have several kids step up and play very physically for us that are young. We have some high expectations from our seniors and they will be in a leadership position to play well and lead our youngsters as we develop and compete throughout the season.”
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Returning Statistical Leaders
Rushing: Gage Lee, 18 car., 130 yds., 2 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Elliot Helten, 3 rec., 33 yds., 1 TD Ints.: Elliot Helten, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to get better each week and hopefully be playing our best at the end of the year. The keys to our success will be commitment to the weight room, team first mentality, great effort, and embracing the process of implementing a new system.”
Notes: Ellsworth’s final record doesn’t indicate how competitive they were last fall. The Bearcats opened with a 31-0 win over Sacred Heart and closed with a 42-0 win over Syracuse sandwiched around seven straight losses. But five of those seven losses were by 12 points or less. Eleven starters are back to try and close out those close games this season. It could be an exciting two-year stretch for the Bearcats as all but two of those starters are juniors.
Notes: The Tigers graduated key seniors Kieran Courter and Landon Brown from the first winning team since 2012, but second-year coach Alex Thornburgh returns a load of talent and experience to help put together a second straight winning year.
2021 Record: 4-5 / Tri Valley League Head Coach: Marc Svaty (6th year, 28-26; 15th overall, 65-73) Assistants: Charl Hill, Brian Back Offense: Multiple Defense: Odd Returning starters: Joel Dutton, QB/DB, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Wyatt Miller, RB/LB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Keegan Bryant, WR/DB, 6-1, 140, Sr.; Hayden Jansen, OL/ DL, 6-0, 215, Sr.; Aidan Chard, RB/DB, 5-7, 140, Sr.; Evan Pagacz, QB/DB, 6-0, 165, Jr.
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Returning Statistical Leaders
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Anders Weisbeck, 28 car., 127 yds.
Offense: Spread Option Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Brandt Sipe, QB/LB, 6-5, 225, Sr.; Riley Loop, LB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Blaize Hogan, WR, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Trey Pennington, LB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Gavin Moore, TE, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Luke Hartung, OL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Brody Boese, OL/DL, 6-3, 260, Jr.; Cooper Seidel, OL/DL, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Lance Loehr, OL, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Cody Weve, RB/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Nash Wray, WR/DB, 5-9, 130, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Kade Harris, 121 car., 963 yds., 11 TDs Passing: Kade Harris, 59-102, 907 yds., 8 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Kade Harris, 100 tkls.; Griffin Schumacher, 75 tkls. Sacks: Michael Hale, 2 sacks Interceptions: Griffin Schumacher, Peyton Schwartz, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal for this year is to make a deep run in the playoffs. A key to our success will be to find replacements for key seniors that graduated.”
Notes: Coach Jay Harris continued the building project at TMP finishing 8-3 in his third season leading the Monarchs after 7-2 and 3-6 records the two years prior – with the last two seasons the best at TMP since 1988. After going 7-2 through nine weeks, with a pair of razor thin losses to Russell (2317, 3 OT) in Week 2, and Cimarron (11-8) in Week 7, the Monarchs posted a signature victory over Hoisington in the second round of the playoffs (3627) before ending their season to Kingman. Harris returns his son, dual-threat QB/DB Kade, for his senior season, but graduated WR/DB Jace Wentling and RB/LB Bryce Seib will leave glaring holes to fill. Fortunately for Harris the Monarchs return a quality group of interior linemen on both sides of the ball that will help protect Kade and break in other new skill players. The Monarchs play in 2A District 2 with Beloit the likely favorite.
HAYS-TMP-MARIAN 2021 Record: 9-2 / Central Kansas League Head Coach: Demetrius Cox (4th year, 21-10) Assts.: Scott O’Hare, Dennis Boldt, Robert Haude Offense: Multiple Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Nicholas Smith, SB/SS, 6-0, 162, Sr.; Tyson Plenert, WR/CB, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Lane Rogers, OT/DE, 6-0, Sr.; Jacob Thiessen, TE/OLB, 6-1, 188, Sr.; Abrey Nichols, OG, 5-9, 248, Sr.
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HILLSBORO HOISINGTON 2021 Record: 8-2 / Central Kansas League Head Coach: Zach Baird (9th year, 79-15) Assistants: Matt Koelsch, Kyle Haxton, Robert England, Ross Coomes
Passing: Dawson Boldt, 3-6, 51 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Nicholas Smith, 16 rec., 382 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Jacob Thiessen, 77 tkls. Sacks: None Interceptions: Nicholas Smith, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “As a team we have to try and replace an amazing senior class that was led by Matthew Potucek and Tristan Rathbone. Our team strength is our skill positions. We have a lot of guys who have the ability to be great players. We have guys returning that experienced great success last year that we will be looking to, to keep us going in the right direction. We will also have size up front on both the offensive and defensive line. As a team we have a lot of growth to do this season on and off the football field. We can be as good as any team in our district, it will all come down to how much growth the kids gain over the season.”
Notes: Graduation hits the Trojans hard as two-year starting quarterback Matthew Potucek is gone along with three of the top four rushers, three of the top four receivers, and nine of the top 13 tacklers. Potucek accounted for 3,444 career passing yards, 1,863 career rushing yards, and 64 combined career touchdowns. Running back Jamari Harris also graduated after piling up 1,527 career rushing yards with 28 touchdowns. Receiver Nicholas Smith does return for his senior season after catching 16 passes for almost 400 yards and four scores last fall. While the defense also graduated a load of talent, linebacker Jacob Thiessen returns after carding 77 tackles last fall and together with Smith – who made three interceptions – the Trojans will have experience and leadership in the back half of the defense. Southeast of Saline is the clear favorite in Class 2A District 5, but the remainder of the teams appear even.
HAVEN 2021 Record: 8-3 / Mid-Continent League Head Coach: Jay Harris (4th year, 18-11) Assistants: TJ Gottschalk, Chris Corsair, Joe Dintino, Ray Becker, Travis Rozean Offense: Flexbone Defense: 5-2 Returning starters: Evan Balthazor, OL/DL, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Garrett Feauto, OL/DL, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Kolten Hagans, OL/DL, 6-3, 250, Jr.; Michael Hale, OL/ DL, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Kade Harris, QB/DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Landon Rozean, TE/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Griffin Schumacher, RB/LB, 5-8, 150, Jr.; Peyton Schwartz, RB/DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Kendall Walker, OL/DL, 5-10, 245, Jr.
Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Cole Gilliland, OL/DL, 6-1, 255, Sr.; Logan Philbern, OL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Leyton Haxton, WR, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Chase Steinert, RB/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; MJ Aylward, OLB, 5-7, 140, Sr.; Tony Moore, RB/ OLB, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Caiden Hoffman, OL/DL, 6-3, 310, Jr.; Ian Smith, ILB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Mason Alderdice, WR/DB, 5-5, 125, Jr.; Gage Britt, TE/OLB, 6-2, 185, Jr.; Jason Robinson, RB/DB, 5-10, 140, So.
Notes: The Cardinals suffered a bit of an upset at the hands of an improved TMP team in the second round of the playoffs last fall. Gone from that team is standout running back and linebacker Legend Robinson, a 1,900-yard rusher and Hutchinson Community College signee. Leyton Haxton and Tony Moore are among the candidates to take the reins from Wyatt Wikum at the quarterback position. Whether at QB or running back, Tony Moore looks to be the next great ball-carrier for the Cardinals, while Haxton is also a quality target at receiver. He’ll have three of the best offensive linemen in the state to run behind in multi-season starters Cole Gilliland, Logan Philbern, and Caiden Hoffman. This trio also serves as three blocks of granite along the defensive line and will help protect the replacements for Wikum and Robinson on defense. Tackling should be a strength for this team as seven of the top nine tacklers return from last season. The Cardinals will be the favorite in 2A District 7 which includes Cimarron, Southwestern Heights, Lakin, and Larned, an experienced team making the move down from 3A this fall.
Notes: After a breakout 8-3 season in 2020 the Haven Wildcats fell to 3-6 last fall, but 11 returning starters are back to help return HHS to a winning season and a playoff run. Big QB Brandt Sipe is back to orchestrate the offense and he has four experienced O-linemen back to work behind. He welcomes a trio of targets in the passing game in tight end Gavin Moore and wide receivers Blaize Hogan and Nash Wray, and running back Cody Weve is back to tote the rock. The Wildcats did graduate three all-league players in Treyton Yoder, Karter Cooprider, and Keaton Loop, but those are the most signficant losses for a team that will play in what could be one of the more balanced districts in Class 2A featuring favorite Kingman and quality teams in Chaparral, Garden Plain, and Douglass.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Tony Moore, 40 car., 479 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Leyton Haxton, 2-5, 21 yds. Receiving: Tony Moore, 12 rec., 336 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Chase Steinert, 47 tkls.; Cole Gilliland, 41 tkls. Sacks: Cole Gilliland, Gage Britt, 1 sack ea. Ints.: Jason Robinson, 3 INTs; Chase Steinert, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to win a State Championship. Developing a work ethic and leadership this summer will be a key to success this year.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cody Weve Passing: Brandt Sipe Receiving: Blaize Hogan Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Outlook for the 2022 season: “Experience and leadership will be key to our success this year. We should be similar in that sense to our 2020 class with more seniors who have been playing for two or three years already. We’re losing a few key pieces that have really helped grow our brand, our program, that will be missed though.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 107 2021 Record: 3-6 / Central Kansas League Co-Head Coaches: Drew Thalmann/Thomas Cooprider (4th year, 15-14) Assistants: Cody Dick, Jorden Oden, Grant Wray, Wade Spencer, Jarred Hett, Kyle Altvater
Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning starters: Nolan Freund, QB/DB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Avrey Albright, Slot/DB, 6-1, 155, Sr.; Carter Helm, WR/DB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Tristen Davidson, TE/ DE, 6-2, 190, Jr.; Ty Birkenbaugh, RT/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Jake Fischer, DL, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Adrian Ontiveros, C/LB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Bly Keimig, LG/LB, 5-8, 185, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Nolan Freund, 519 yds., 13 TDs Passing: Nolan Freund, 2,341 yds., 20 TDs Receiving: Avrey Albright, 39 rec., 809 yds., 7 TDs; Carter Helm, 648 yds., 8 TDs Tackles: Ty Birkenbaugh, 126 tkls.
HUMBOLDT 2021 Record: 10-2 / Central Plains League Head Coach: Tanner Hageman (4th year, 19-11) Assistants: Dusty Beam, Jon Spexarth, Justin Reid, Drew Offense:KraxnerSpread
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Parker Wurtz, 66 car., 147 yds. Passing: Parker Wurtz, 194 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Rodrigo Sanchez, 3 rec., 45 yds. Tackles: N/A Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Possibly our first winning season since 2007 if we can stay healthy. Will be led by our OL/DL kids. Have some youth in the skill positions that will be exciting.”
Notes: Logan Wyrick enters his eighth year as the head coach of the Cubs with a load of experience back from a 6-4 squad and fields a team that is expected to battle Osage City for the Class 2A District 2 title. The only glaring hole for the Cubs is at the quarterback position where Gavin Page was lost to graduation. Running back Trey Sommer will try to increase his nearly 2,000 career rushing yards and will lead the D from his linebacker spot. Four starters return along the offensive line with three earning all-district or All-State honors a year ago. Receivers Sam Hull and Dakota Slocum also return after earning postseason honors. Nine returning starters should help the Cubs’ D be among the best in 2A.
Notes: Last year, the Mustangs opened with a 6-0 win over Stanton County and got a 41-35 win in Week 8 and were also competitive in losses to Texhoma (Okla.) in Week 2 (19-6) and Lakin in Week 5 (12-6). In the other five losses of the season the Mustangs allowed at least 40 points in each contest and scored more than seven points just once while getting shut out three times. Gone from that squad is standout running back and linebacker Memo Flores, but five experienced seniors are back to try and post Southwestern Heights’ first winning season since 2007. To do so the Mustangs will have to navigate one of the better districts in Class 2A with Hoisington, Cimarron, and Lakin all consistently above .500 and a Larned team that returns plenty of experience from a roster that went 4-5 in 3A last fall. Coach Bell bids farewell to graduated all-league selections Flores, Eric Gonzales, and Luis Temores, but welcomes back a pair of All-HPL players in center/defensive end Kaleb Scripsick and tight end Damean Mercado. Parker Wurtz also provides Bell an explosive offensive weapon and another key senior.
Notes: Kingman continued their marked improvement in the third year under coach Tanner Hageman, going 10-2 and narrowly losing to Beloit in the 2A semis 22-19. The Eagles graduate some key pieces from that team including OL/LB Colby Schreiner and RB/LB Geoff Holloway, but several standouts are back to help KHS make another run. It all starts with QB Nolan Freund. The senior is one of the top players in the classification and is a multiseason starter who has accounted for thousands of yards of production. He’ll have top receiving targets Avrey Albright and Carter Helm back, but some new faces are needed on the O-line. One of the returning faces up front, Ty Birkenbaugh (126 tkls.), also doubles as the team’s top defender. Jake Fischer is a punishing running back and D-lineman who is poised for a breakout season after a great summer.
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Trey Sommer, 168 car., 1,097 yds., 14 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Dakota Slocum, 13 rec., 238 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Trey Sommer, 82 tkls. Sacks: River Kaufman, 3 sacks Interceptions: Dakota Slocum, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team goals stay the same year-in and year-out; win a Tri-Valley League title, win our District title, and make a trip to Salina to win a State Title. Obviously, to meet those goals we must have great week to week preparation. We do bring back a lot of experience from last year to try and meet those goals. This will probably be the most experience I’ve ever returned as a head coach, with eigh full-time starters back on offense, as well as nine full-time starters on defense; we also have a few others returning that started or played significant minutes as well and return 19 total lettermen, nine of which were only freshmen.”
KINGMAN KISMET-SOUTHWESTERN HTS.
Power Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Trey Sommer, RB/LB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Blake Ellis, DB, 5-7, 160, So.; Logan Page, FB/ DE, 5-11, 180, So.; Aiden Gean, WR/CB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Dakota Slocum, TE/DB, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Cole Mathes, LB, 6-1, 165, So.; Sam Hull, WR/CB, 6-5, 190, Jr.; Maddox Johnson, OL/DE, 5-10, 210, Sr.; William Kobold, OL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Kyler Isbell, OL/LB, 5-9, 200, So.; Garren Goodner, OL/DL, 5-9, 200, Jr.; River Kaufman, OL/DL, 6-1, 215, Sr.
HORTON 2021 Record: 6-4 / Tri-Valley League Head Coach: Logan Wyrick (8th year, 46-24) Assistants: Dave Taylor, Jason Weilert, Jeremy Offense:Weilert
Sacks: Ty Birkenbaugh, 9 Ints.: Avrey Albright, 2 Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team goals don’t change much from year-to-year. We want to try and get better every time we have the opportunity to compete. That could be in the summer, at camps, in practice during games it doesn’t matter. We are always looking for moments where our kids can compete with each other or against other teams.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 108 2021 Record: 0-9 / Northeast Kansas League Head Coach: Kyle Gurss (1st year) Assistants: David Losey, Lyle Wissmann, Austin Lovelady, Jessie Hutfles, Bryan Hirsch Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Jack Allen, DB, Sr.; Darius La Crouix, OL/DL, Sr.; Zach Boller, WR/DB, Jr.; Chandler Newman, OL/DL, Jr.; Kaden Smith, OL/ DL, Jr.; Aleck Whiteshield, K, Jr.; Evan Whiteshield, LB/P, Jr.
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A Notes: The Chargers losing streak now stands at 37 straight games dating back to a 2017 Week 7 win over McLouth. The Chargers allowed at least 33 points in all nine losses last fall and at least 45 points in eight of the nine. The offense didn’t fare much better scoring more than seven points just three times and never more than 21. Things aren’t likely to get easier this season as Horton makes the move to 2A where they’ll play in District 4 with Mid-East League power Riley County and Big 7 powers Sabetha and Nemaha Central. Graduated LB Trey Lockwood was the most decorated Charger last fall earning mutliple postseason honors including league honors for his play on both sides of the ball. New head coach Kyle Gurss welcomes back seven players with starting experience and he’ll have former head coach David Losey on staff to help provide some continuity.
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2021 Record: 2-7 / Hi-Plains League Head Coach: Matt Bell (5th year, 9-27; 8th overall, 27-39) Assistants: Matt Scripsick, Mitchell Burns, Zach Offense:CrockettMultiple Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Parker Wurtz, QB/WR, Sr.; Kaleb Scripsick, C/OG/DE, Sr.; Carlos Torres, OG/ TE, Sr.; Rodrigo Sanchez, RB/LB, Jr.; Damean Mercado, LB, Sr.; Breckin Buttry, DL, Sr.; Alejando Duran, DB, So.
LAKIN LARNED LYONS MINNEAPOLIS 2021 Record: 4-5 / North Central Activities Assoc.
Notes: After 2021 saw five blowout losses and four wins by 14 points or less the Lions head to the east side of the playoff bracket in a tough district that includes consistent winners Riley County, Sabetha, and Nemaha Central. The Lions need to take advantage of opportunities against Republic Co. and Sacred Heart the first two weeks to help a young team gain confidence before a Week 3 matchup with Southeast of Saline ahead of district play.
Notes: After five straight seasons of one win or less Carl Nolan made an immediate impact in his first year as head coach, leading the Lions to three wins while also avoiding shutouts in any game last year. Graduation hits the roster hard as the only two players that recorded a passing yard, the top five rushers, the top four receivers, and the top five tacklers are all lost to graduation. Jorge Cereceres and Seth Laymon give Nolan a pair of quality returners in the trenches while Solomon Goforth and Kevin Soto return as skill position players, with Soto the only returning starter in this year’s senior class. LHS plays in Class 2A District 5 where Southeast of Saline are heavy favorites.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: None Receiving: N/A Tackles: Jorge Cereceres, 29 tkls. Sacks: None Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have a young team ready to take on the world. We will continue to lay the foundation so we can build our house on solid ground. The key to our success this season is making sure we are getting better every game.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brady Hope, 12 car., 213 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Riley Pontius, 95-200, 1,101 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Jayden Smith, 16 rec., 188 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Ty Smith, 33 tkls. Sacks: Michael Graff, 2 sack Interceptions: Brady Hope, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “It is critical for us to be able to run the ball more consistently in 2022. Last season we ran the ball well on teams that we were better than, but against the better teams on our schedule we really struggled to run the ball. A nucleus of skill players including Brady Hope, Kaden Auble, Jayden Smith, Riley Pontius, Luke Fischer, and Carson Shaver should give us a chance to be productive on offense. Defensively, we return 35 percent of our solo tackles, and many of the players responsible for that production are high ceiling players that should make an impact. Those same players also forced a combined 13 turnovers in 2021. Additionally we return players that combined for 29 total tackles for loss. The pieces are in place to field a very solid defense.” Notes: Larned will field a team that should be very competitive in 2A District 7 after a two-year run against a tough 3A schedule. With 10 returning starters, including 1,000-yard passer Riley Pontius, and the bulk of the O-line, the Indians could be in line for a breakout season. Fifth-year coach Tad Remy will need to replace Logan Erway, Luke Wilson, and Fernando Herrera, a quality trio of 2022 grads.
2021 Record: 4-5 / Central Kansas League Head Coach: Tad Remy (5th year, 11-25) Assistants: Charles MacNeil, Cuyler Cowart, Brady Keith, Jeramie Kramer Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2 Returning starters: Brady Hope, RB/DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Riley Pontius, QB, 5-11, 140, Sr.; Jayden Smith, WR, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Luke Fischer, RB/LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Ty Smith, OL/LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Eian Sanders, OL, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Rickey Slattery, OL, 5-8, 235, Jr.; Carter Atteberry, OL/DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Michael Graff, OL/ DL, 5-9, 200, Jr.; Carson Shaver, DB, 5-10, 150, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Colter Oldham, 178 yds.; Maddux Beltran, 80 yds. Passing: Maddux Beltran, 40 yds. Receiving: Colter Oldham, 41 yds. Tackles: Colter Oldham, 45 tkls.; Dravin Chavira, 44 tkls. Sacks: Dravin Chavira, 1 sack Interceptions: None Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We graduated most of our offensive production and a large portion of our defensive production. However, we do return a few players with some varsity experience on both sides of the ball. The majority of our offensive line will be veterans. Our offensive and defensive lines will be highlighted by seniors Daryan Edgington, Dravin Chavira, Kaden Mings, and Edan White. Maddux Beltran is returning as a junior with starting experience and will carry a larger role on this year’s team. We will also be looking for several sophomores to step into varsity roles.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 109 2021 Record: 5-4 / Hi-Plains League Head Coach: Chris Bamberger (8th year, 39-28; 13th overall, 79-42) Assistants: Chris Pollart, Travis Johnson, Wyatt Jiru, Bryce Simon Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Daryan Edgington, OL/DL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Dravin Chavira, OL/DL, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Kaden Mings, OL/DL, 5-10, 245, Sr.; Edan White, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Maddux Beltran, QB/DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Jeremy Oropeza, RB/LB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Colter Oldham, RB/LB, 6-2, 185, So.
2021 Record: 3-5 / Central Kansas League Head Coach: Carl Nolan (2nd year, 3-5) Assistants: Artravius Addison, Cody Bowers, Dakota Nave, BJ Offense:Smith Multiple Option Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Solomon Goforth, QB/DB, 5-10, 185, Jr.; Jorge Cereceres, OL/DL, 6-1, 215, So.; Seth Laymon, OL/DL, 5-11, 285, Jr.; Kevin Soto, RB/DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.
Head Coach: Tom Flax (4th year, 12-15; 10th overall, 26-54) Assistants: Travis Shaft, Garrett Galanski, Matt Offense:SmithMultiple Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Gabe Hueser, QB/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Isaiah Vignery, OL/DE, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Reese Wilson, OL/DE, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Tucker Smith, FB/ DT, 6-0, 195, Sr.; Braylon Smith, WR, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Camden Robins, OL, 6-1, 265, Sr.
Notes: An experienced front line will help eighthyear coach Chris Bamberger as he develops new offensive weapons for a team that will play in 2A District 7 where Hoisington is the favorite, but the rest of the district appears wide-open. Maddux Beltran will take the reins from all-league QB Servando Gonzalez while Colter Oldham will look to take on a bigger role in the backfield. Defensive linemen Daryan Edington and Dravin Chavira are back to lead the Bronc defensive front while Oldham is back as one linebacker. Oldham, just a sophomore, has the potential to emerge as one of the top football players in southwest Kansas.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Gabe Hueser, 55 car., 196 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Gabe Hueser, 38-74, 386 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Tucker Smith, 36 tkls.; Reese Wilson, 36 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The upcoming season will bring some change to the Lion football program. For the first time in several years we will be heading a different direction for district play but the schedule will still have several perennial state powers. We will have several positions filled by underclassmen as well. The past three years have all had solid senior class numbers, but with only six seniors this fall the team will rely on underclassmen to fill key roles. Each year brings a different type of excitement to the upcoming season. As a coach I am excited to see how our freshmen and sophomores have developed from this past season. Several of them will play key roles, like Braylon Smith and Ryan Parks, who will likely fill some key roles on both sides of the ball. I am excited to see the seniors like Tucker Smith, Isaiah Vignery, Gabe Hueser, and Logan Kearn step up and lead this young group.”
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Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Tackles: Samson Waggoner Interceptions: Lukas Kulp Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to make the playoffs and keys are player development and depth.” Riley County ripped off nine straight wins to start the Erik Willimon era but a Week 8 injury to star quarterback and defensive back Trey Harmison saw the Falcons limp into the playoffs a bit deflated. After a narrow first round win over Russell the depleted Falcons fell 30-14 in the second round to a Concordia team they had beaten 48-7 just three weeks earlier. Now the Falcons and Willimon face a 2022 season with a roster gutted by graduation. In addition to Harmison, standouts Zak Zeller, Korin Koenig, and Blake Brokenicky are gone. Zeller was the leading tackler, Brokenicky joined Harmison as the leading rusher, and Koenig was a first team all-league defensive back. The Falcons also graduated a pair of first team all-league selections on the offensive line and return only specialist Samson Waggoner and offensive lineman Torin Sheeves who earned honorable mention all-league recognition last fall. Waggoner and Lukas Kulp will lead the defense from their linebacker positions and Sheeves will be joined by Brogan Schuh to provide a pair of experienced offensive linemen to block as the new skill position players get the lay of the land. Sophomore Sam Allen and Waggoner will likely carry a bigger load in the offense this fall as well. Eli Harmison, the younger brother to standout Falcon QBs Garrett and Trey Harmison, could compete for the starting position this fall as just a sophomore. The Falcons couldn’t have picked a better time to make the move back to 2A. District 3 features a big, experienced Nemaha Central team as the likely favorite, but the rest of the district appears wideopen. If the Falcons can survive season opening contests against Mid-East League powers Silver Lake, Rossville, and Rock Creek, they should be well-prepared for district play. KS
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Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Trace Hanchett Passing: Jesse Blackburn Receiving: Trace Hanchett Tackles: Seth Keeten Sacks: Carsen Meitl Interceptions: Trace Hanchett, Devin Johnson Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to improve each week and gain confidence with our underclassmen. Focus on small details and technique, then allow those to help build our bigger picture. Having four to five seniors on our roster means we will need to gain reps and confidence with our underclassmen. Then finding and developing our offensive line to key with an experienced backfield.”
Notes: The Bluejays slipped below .500 for just the third time in the Lucas Melvin era, going 4-5 last fall. A talented senior class returns to get NHS back to their winning ways. At 6-4, 230, Sean Anderson is one of the most imposing QB and LB combos in 2A. The three-headed monster of Dean Clark, Garrett Urban, and Silas Jones should provide a potent run game, while Anderson distributes the ball to targets in the passing game behind an experienced O-line. Beloit, TMP, and Norton highlight a tough District 8.
2021 Record: 8-2 / Flint Hills League Head Coach: Andrew Gantenbein (14th year, 75-54) Assts.: Jordan Tice, Mitch Foote, Derek Patterson
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Landon Boss, 62 car., 635 yds., 15 TDs Passing: Landon Boss, 74-125, 1,378 yds., 16 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Cooper Parsons, 86 tkls. Sacks: Cooper Parsons, 1 sack Interceptions: Landon Boss, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Senior Landon Boss returns for year four at quarterback. A four-year starter at quarterback is a luxury any team would love to have, especially when it’s a player the caliber of Landon. Seniors Kaden Kirkpatrick, Mason Gibson, and Breckin Bowin also have a lot of varsity experience. We expect the four of them to play well and help lead the team. Junior Cooper Parsons made the jump to varsity last season and ended up leading the team in tackles. Look for him to make a similar jump this season on offense at running back. We added a couple of very successful 1A teams to our schedule in 2021 semifinalist Sedgwick and 2021 champion Olpe. Tough competition helps you get ready for the playoffs. I anticipate our district will be competitive, and Humboldt may be the favorite.”
2021 Record: 1-7 / Flint Hills League Head Coach: Karl Rogers (1st year) Assistants: N/A
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 / 4-2 Returning starters: Landon Boss, QB/ILB, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Kaden Kirkpatrick, TE, 6-3, 220, Sr.; Dalton Rush, OL, 6-0, 280, Sr.; Mason Gibson, OL, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Cooper Parsons, ILB, 5-5, 170, Jr.; Breckin Bowin, DB, 5-6, 145, Sr.
2021 Record: 0-9 / Tri-Valley League Head Coach: David Gillett (4th year, 3-24; 7th overall, 17-37) Assistants: Chris Hinshaw, Jake Carpenter
2021 Record: 4-5 / Mid-Continent League Head Coach: Lucas Melvin (16th year, 110-55) Assistants: Jeremy Hawks, Keith Hauser, Chris Delimont, Trent Brubaker Offense: I-formation Defense: 5-2 Returning starters: Silas Jones, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Sean Anderson, QB/LB, 6-4, 230, Sr.; Jefferson Otter, OL/DL, 6-4, 215, Sr.; Matt Fawcett, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Aragon Garza, OL/DL, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Collin Brooks, OL/DE, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Dean Clark, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Clayton Sumner, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Garrett Urban, RB/DB, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Roman Hauser, WR/DE, 6-3, 210, Jr.
Offense: Wing T Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Logan Gillett, QB, 6-0, 190, So.; Judah Smith, RB/LB, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Artem Bilyeu, DB/K, 5-9, 140, Jr.; Talon Roebuck, WR/DB, 5-11, 150, Jr.; Wyatt Songer, WR/DB, 6-2, 195, Jr.; Andrew Heck, OL/DL, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Chad Babcock, OL/LB, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Brayden Bosch, RB/LB, 5-11, 160, So.; Valik Boldra, OL/DL, 5-10, 250, Jr.; Garrett Babcock, OL/LB, 5-7, 190, So.; Mason Springer, OL/ DL, 6-2, 240, Jr.
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Notes: A young Panther team took their lumps against a brutal early season schedule last fall with four of the first five opponents going on to win at least six games. The Panthers will again field a young squad against a tough schedule this fall with only two of 10 returning starters in the Class of 2023. On offense, third year Panther coach Kendall Fiscus will look to emerging junior Trace Hanchett and senior Jesse Blackburn to carry the load from their running back and quarterback positions respectively while sophomore Seth Keeten is back to pace the Panther defense as the top returning tackler. While PHS returns a number of talented skill players they need to develop depth and experience up front. Class 2A District 8 should be among the toughest in the state with Beloit, Norton, and TMP fielding experienced and talented squads.
Notes: No way around it, last year was a tough one for Blue Streak football. After a 12-0 loss to start the season, Neodesha found themselves on the wrong side of eight straight blowouts. NHS never scored more than one touchdown in any one game last season, were shut out five times, and outside of the season opener the Blue Streak defense allowed 35 points in each game. But all that is in the past and coach David Gillett enters his fourth season as head coach with 11 returning starters, including nine sophomores or juniors who were thrown into the fire early last year as underclassmen. Gillett hopes that experience will pay dividends this season against a 2A District 1 that appears wide open.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Dean Clark. 91 car., 398 yds., 3 TDs; Garrett Urban, 40 car., 364 yds., 6 TDs; Silas Jones, 55 car., 256 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Sean Anderson, 91-183, 926 yds., 9 TDs Receiving: Silas Jones, 20 rec., 210 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Sean Anderson, 135 tkls.; Silas Jones, 103 tkls.; Garrett Urban, 75 tkls. Sacks: N/A Ints.: Cooper Bailey, Garrett Urban, 2 ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We return a good number of starters due to the low number of seniors last year. We will need some players to step up and become leaders and get stronger. Since there were several starters that were juniors last year we will need them to mature physically and mentally in order for us to improve. We feel like we have some potential because we will possibly have more people out than we have had in a while. That added depth should help at practice and in games since we should have more players.”
Notes: After one season under Troy McArthur, Karl Rogers takes over the West Franklin program and inherits a team that’s had four different teams in six seasons. While the Falcons lost the first seven games last season they were relatively competitive in several of those matchups including Week 1 against Central Heights (34-13), Week 3 against Council Grove (44-20), Week 6 against Eureka (28-14), and Week 7 against Jayhawk-Linn (32-13). West Franklin closed on a high note thrashing Neodesha 47-0 in the final game of the season. This year, the Falcons will play in 2A District 2 with favorites Humboldt and Osage City along with Eureka and Council Grove. West Franklin last posted a winning season in 2008, a 5-4 finish under then head coach Chuck Lee.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brayden Bosch, 70 car., 185 yds. Passing: Logan Gillett, 43-120, 533 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: Wyatt Songer, 5 rec., 26 yds. Tackles: Andrew Heck, 62 tkls. Sacks: Andrew Heck, 4 sacks Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “I always have high expectations for my teams every year. The biggest thing I want to see this season is growth everyday. If this growth leads to a winning season, a district title, and getting in the playoffs then our season will be a success.”
Notes: For the second consecutive season a pair of close losses were the only blemishes on an otherwise stellar record for the Indians. This fall veteran coach Andrew Gantenbein will try to ride four-year QB starter Landon Boss to a district title and playoff run. He’ll miss graduated Shrine Bowl selection Garrett Fager and LB Brody Littrell, but a trio of senior big men (Kaden Kirkpatrick, Mason Gibson, Dalton Rush) return and junior Cooper Parsons looks ready for a breakout season.
RILEY COUNTY 2021 Record: 9-1 / Mid-East League Head Coach: Erik Willimon (2nd year, 9-1; 4th overall, 28-12) Assistants: Jesse Woodard, Doug Thompson, Trevin Weins, Nic Allen Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Torin Sheeves, OL/DL, 5-9, 260, Sr.; Lukas Kulp, TE/LB, 6-3, 210, Sr.; Samson Waggoner, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Sam Allen, RB/DB, 5-11, 175, So.; Noah Freese, K/WR/DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Brogan Schuh, OL/LB, 5-11, 200, Jr.
2021 Record: 3-6 / Mid-Continent League Head Coach: Kendall Fiscus (3rd year, 8-10) Assts.: Joe Buresh, Blake Gehring, Jon Weinman Offense: Flexbone Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Seth Keeten, LB, 5-8, 158, So.; Caden Seems, OL/DE, 6-3, 190, So.; Tyler Davis, DB/WR, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Trace Hanchett, RB/LB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Carsen Meitl, DL, 5-8, 153, Jr.; Rad Rodriguez, RB/LB, 6-1, 200, Jr.; Zordyn Taylor, OL, 6-3, 178, Jr.; Jesse Blackburn, QB/WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Devin Johnson, RB/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Ethan Miller, WR, 6-0, 170, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals will not change. We need to compete for a CNC title, district title, and make a playoff run. We realize that all teams share those same goals, so our hard work in the offseason will be key to us accomplishing those goals. One of our strengths will be that over the past few seasons we have learned to compete in every game. We believe that we can win every time we take the field. Continued confidence will be a key to our future success. We possess above average team speed and we need to find ways to make that a strength of our program.”
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Notes: After five years of building the Rams back to a winner – and fifty plus years in coaching –Johnny Mallatt decided to call it a career. Assistant Danny Weaver now takes over and while he’ll miss graduated all-league players Garin Gilmore, Derek Larison, Clayton Garrett, and Kaden Hedrick, he gets back nine players with starting experience including senior quarterback Walker Terry, who started under center as a sophomore and junior. The Rams play in 2A District 1 with Cherryvale, Fredonia, Neodesha, and likely favorite Caney Valley.
Head coach’s outlook for the 2021 season: “We are going to need to take it one day/one week at a time. We will need to stop the run and be balanced on offense.”
SENECA-NEMAHA CENTRAL SILVER LAKE
Offense: Split Back Veer Defense: 5-2 Returning starters: Josh Herrmann, RB/LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Jonathan Renyer, RB/DB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Preston Michael, WR/DB, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Matthew Garber, QB/DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Noel Niehues, WR/DE, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Brendan Severin, OL/DL, 6-1, 330, Sr.; Josh Grimm, OL/DL, 6-4, 310, Jr.; Jacob Grimm, OL/ DL, 6-2, 280, Jr.; Aiden Wittwer, OL/DL, 5-11, 220, Jr.; Christian McAfee, TE/DE, 6-4, 200, Jr.; Marcus Bauman, WR/DB, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Chase Frey, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Tyler Menold, TE/DL, 5-11, 180, Jr.
Tackles: Josh Herrmann, Jonathan Renyer, Marcus Bauman Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our seniors have done an excellent job of leading us so far this summer. With our seniors and juniors having been playing for two and three years, that should lead to getting things started off quickly. If we can do those things, this season will be a success. Our summer weight program has been outstanding and the upperclassmen are leading the charge.”
RIVERTON ROSSVILLE RUSSELL SABETHA
2021 Record: 8-3 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee Head Coach: Danny Weaver (1st year) Assistants: Blake Arehart, Adam Babcock, Tyler Larison, Steve Offense:Wells Spread/Wing Defense: Multiple Front Returning starters: Walker Terry, QB/DB, Sr.; Leiam Tyree, RB/LB, Sr.; Kadyn Allen, RB/LB, Sr.; Lake Crowder, RB/LB, Jr.; Ryder Phillips, WR/DB, Jr.; Ryder Goodman, QB/LB, Jr.; AJ Buschman, OL/ DL, Sr.; Noah Valenti, OL/DL, Sr.; Conner Moreno, OL/DL, Sr.
Notes: In his one season as head coach Mark Baldwin led the Broncos to the most wins since 2017 and very nearly pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the year when they fell 18-15 to Riley County in the first round of the playoffs. Now, former Fort Hays State and Junction City defensive back Christien Ozores – a 2016 Kansas Shrine Bowl selection –takes over for the Broncos and he welcomes back 10 players with starting experience including talented defensive back Jacob Ney and eight other senior starters. He will have to replace a solid group of players who earned all-league recognition including Jacob Windholz, Jesse Whitmer, Josh Sohm, and LaAries Winzerling. The Broncos step down to 2A this fall and step into a tough district with experienced Beloit, Norton, and TMP squads. Russell lost to Norton 41-0 last fall but handed TMP one of their three losses on the season, 23-17, in a three overtime marathon. Russell also beat traditional power Scott City last season but gave Goodland one of their two wins on the year in a 16-14 Week 8 loss.
2021 Record: 4-5 / Big 7 League
Notes: The Thunder went 7-3 in their first season under Michael Glatczak and have all the pieces to match or improve that record this fall. Senior Connor Deters and junior Holden Bass give the Thunder a pair of massive athletes in the trenches and many skill players return including honorable mention all-league selections in running back Cooper Hajek, tight end Blake Stallbaumer, and defensive back Brayden Uphaus. Hajek and Stallbaumer also earned honorable mention at linebacker, Wade Leonard earned honorable mention on the defensive line, and Bass was first team all-league on both sides of the ball. This big four, along with Deters, will give the Thunder an imposing defensive interior. Senior Gavin Cain is a key receiving target and an excellent defensive back. NCHS will try to avenge a heartbreaking one-point loss to Holton in Week 1 and a Week 8 matchup with rival Sabetha could decide the 2A District 4 title. Riley County, Minneapolis, and Horton are also in the district.
Notes: Rossville won their fifth State Championship in the last eight years last fall – their second straight – and graduate 10 seniors from the team. The duo of Torrey Horak and Corey Catron will be tough to replace, but some pieces do return to help the Dawgs continue the tradition of success under coach Derrick Hammes. Jacob Carver returns as a multi-season starter along the Rossville offensive line where he earned first team all-league honors last fall. He’ll be joined by fellow senior Kade Perine, an honorable mention wide receiver and key returner in the RHS secondary. Junior Barrett Lietz is back along the defensive line after he earned honorable mention for his work as a sophomore. In spite of the graduation losses the Bulldawgs will still be the favorite in Class 2A District 3. Rival Silver Lake will be expected to challenge for a top spot in the district, even though they have a new head coach for the first time in over 40 years after CJ Hamilton retired in April.
Notes: All-time Kansas High School football win leader CJ Hamilton retired in April after complications from a farm accident in April of 2020 kept him away from the team all of last fall, according to a KSHSAA Covered article from April 18th. In his 47 seasons as head coach of the Eagles, Silver Lake made the playoffs 40 times. The Eagles won 39 Mid-East League titles with 18 State Championship game berths, including seven straight from 2002-08, and 11 times in a 12-year stretch from 2002-13. Silver Lake won the Class 3A state title in 2013 to give Hamilton his eighth State Championship with the Eagles. Now Silver Lake alum Logan Pegram has the monumental task of following a legend. The 2008 Silver Lake grad was a multi-year starter on the offensive line for Division I Northern Illinois where he started 22 career games and played in 35 between 2009 and 2011. A broken leg in August of his senior season left him sidelined for one of the great years in NIU history when the Huskies earned a trip to the Orange Bowl after going 12-1 in 2012. Pegram spent two seasons as the head coach at Anderson County where he won eight games for a long struggling Bulldog program before spending last season as an assistant at Lawrence Free State. He inherits an inexperienced roster for a team that was 9-3 last fall with a pair of losses to arch-rival Rossville. whitesfoodliner.com
Pro Spread Defense: 4-3 Hybrid Returning starters: Brayden Strobel, DE/TE, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Jacob Ney, SS/FB, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Jackson Cross, CB/WR, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Wyatt Middleton, CB/ WR/QB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Charlie Krug, OLB/WR, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Aiden Morell, DT/OT, 5-11, 225, Jr.; Roman Hernandez, DE/TE, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Jace Peerman, WR, 6-4, 165, Sr.; David Pummell, DE/TE, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Teagan Pfeifer, LB/O-LIne, 5-8, 180, So.
2021 Record: 13-0 / Mid-East League Head Coach: Derrick Hammes (10th year, 96-15; 18th overall, 125-70) Assistants: Dan Schneider, Blake Alexander, Thatcher Horak, Jake Iverson Offense: Multiple Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Jacob Carver, OL/DL, Sr.; Mahliq Jackson, OL, Sr.; Barrett Lietz, OL/DL, Jr.; Kade Perine, WR/DB, Sr.; Braden Hensley, RB, Sr.
2020 Record: 4-5 / Mid-Continent League Head Coach: Christien Ozores (1st year) Assistants: Luke Keller, Cody Casey, Cyrus Haynes, Taylor Offense:Haxton
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Trenton Barker, 55 car., 357 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Camden Horak, 7-12, 79 yds. Receiving: Kade Perine, 28 rec., 510 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Kaden Perine, 50 tkls. Sacks: Barrett Lietz, 2.5 sacks Interceptions: Kaden Perine, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Meeting high expectations are a part of life in the Rossville football program. This year will be no different as the roster turns over and some fresh faces will be getting their first taste of action as Rossville defends their 2A state championship. Perhaps the biggest challenge is in the competition this young roster will face. Six of the eight teams on the Bulldawg football schedule advanced past the first round of their classification’s playoff in 2021. For Rossville to be successful they will need to find new starters within their roster as soon as possible.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Josh Herrmann, 134 car., 871 yds., 3 TDs
Passing: Matthew Garber, 41-84, 581 yds., 9 TDs
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Cooper Hajek, 646 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Brayden Uphaus, 434 yds. Receiving: Gavin Cain, 213 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Cooper Hajek, 73 tkls. Sacks: Wade Leonard, 4 sacks Ints.: Gavin Cain, 2 Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Team goal for the 2022 season is to be playing on Thanksgiving weekend. We must have a great summer and fall camp and continue to get better each and every practice and game. Success this fall is going to rely on senior leadership. They are going to dictate how far we can go as a team this year. We have bits and pieces on both sides of the ball. We must be physical at the line of scrimmage and be scrappy on defense.”
Receiving: Marcus Bauman, 14 rec., 258 yds., 2 TDs
Head Coach: Garrett Michael (14th year, 85-54) Assistants: Curtis Hamilton, Joe Gruber, Alex McAfee, Kaleb Moeller, Josh Wertenberger
Notes: The 4-5 record doesn’t tell the whole story of Sabetha’s 2021 season. A team that regularly played six juniors and seven sophomores last fall won four games in dominating fashion with four of the five losses by 14 points or less. Each of those four teams won at least six games on the season. Those juniors and sophomores are now a year older and Sabetha drops to Class 2A where they will play in District 4 and join Big 7 League rival Nemaha Central as the likely favorites. The Bluejays graduated just three allleague position players, but welcome back all-league selections in running back Josh Herrmann, receiver Marcus Bauman, D-end Christian McAfee, defensive back Jonathan Renyer, and lineman Josh Grimm. Sabetha will try to avenge losses to Perry-Lecompton and Holton in the first two weeks of the season.
2021 Record: 7-3 / Big 7 League Head Coach: Michael Glatczak (2nd year, 7-3) Assistants: Cory Bass, Jason Hajek, Mark Mayberry, Schuyler Mayberry, Terry Stueve Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Holden Bass, OL/DL, 6-4, 270, Jr.; Connor Deters, OL/DL, 6-6, 280, Sr.; Cooper Hajek, LB/RB, 6-2, 215, Sr.; Wade Leonard, LB/WR, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Blake Stallbaumer, TE/LB, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Brayden Uphaus, QB/DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Jacob Hundley, LB/WR, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Gavin Cain, WR/DB, 5-10, 170, Sr.
2021 Record: 9-3 / Mid-East League Head Coach: Logan Pegram (1st year; 3rd overall, 8-10) Assistants: Brit Dewey, Jace Lowe, Nick Hamilton, Travis Hamilton, Trevor Hamilton Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Troy Heiman, WR, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Kaden Walker, OL/DL, 6-2, 245, Sr.; Eli Barnes, S, 5-11, 165, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Blake Redmond Passing: Tanner Martin Receiving: Troy Heiman Tackles: Kaden Walker Sacks: Kaden Walker Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team goals are to get better every day. The foundation that is laid this year is very important moving forward with our program. We have to get back to working hard and expecting success. Our key to success will be our trenches. We have to have some young kids step up and produce. We will be talented at the skill and back ends, but we have to mature quickly on our fronts.”
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Jacob Ney, 43 car., 191 yds. Passing: N/A Receiving: Jackson Cross, 8 rec., 133 yds., Wyatt Middleton, 13 rec., 121 yds. Tackles: Jacob Ney, 67 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Jacob Ney, 2 INTs
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Senior fullback and linebacker Jake Sasse gives the Redmen a considerable boost with his return after missing all of last season with an injury. Meanwhile, senior Bentley Montgomery and junior Luke Franklin combined for just under 1,500 yards and 28 TDs on the ground in Jake Sasse’s absence. Franklin and Montgomery along with junior linebacker Eli Franklin also return as three of Smith Center’s top tacklers from a year ago. After their program defining defeat of Smith Center, Sedgwick (11-1) couldn’t quite get it done against Inman in the semifinal round, losing 26-21 in the last game of Lance Hoffsommer’s star-studded career. As the Cardinals move on from Hoffsommer, and his talented supporting cast, they do so with continuity.
After nearly knocking off Mid-East League powers Riley County and Silver Lake in the first two weeks last season the St. Marys Bears were competitive with 2A powerhouse Rossville in Week 3 before falling 44-20. Five straight wins would follow including a quality 30-12 victory over Nemaha Central. Silver Lake would prove too much again in the second round of the playoffs, 56-31, as the Bears ended season two under Kyle Schenk at 5-4. Now the Bears drop to 1A and an experienced and battle-tested team is the likely favorite in District 3. Early season contests with MEL foes Rossville, Rock Creek and Silver Lake should prepare the Bears for a deep playoff run, as long as they can stay healthy. Quarterback Keller Hurla leads a group of seven returning starters in Schenk’s third season at the helm. Smith Center ended up coming out on the wrong side of one of last year’s most memorable games, a 48-49 slugfest in the state’s quarterfinals against Sedgwick, which came down to Sedgwick quarterback Lance Hoffsommer leading a game-winning drive. “We want to improve throughout the season and hopefully make a run in the postseason.”
3. Smith Center 4. Olpe
CLASS 1A Olpe hoisted the 1A State Championship trophy for the second straight year after beating Inman last November. (Photo: Tagan Trahoon/KVOE Radio)
If 10th year coach Derek Jasper can find a replacement for grad uated QB Camden Anderson it could be a very good season for the men of Troy. Defense may carry the Trojans early as nine starters return led by talented linebacker Jerrit Norris (102 tack les), sack master Preston Christenson at D-end (seven sacks), and ballhawking Boden Benitz at D-back (five interceptions). Four offensive linemen return to help protect new quarterback Reagan Hartman and Norris and Benitz provide a pair of top targets in the passing game. Troy’s district is no cake walk with the Trojans like ly challenging Centralia and Jackson Heights for the District 4 title. Wabaunsee posted their first winning season in 24 years last fall and Jess Rutledge continued his four-year building project im proving from just one win in each of his first two seasons, to a 4-6 record in 2020 and a 7-3 finish last fall. The Chargers enter 2022 with extreme optimism with nearly 40 players expected out for football and a load of talented returners who could be on a path to deliver the best season in program history. The most glaring hole is that of graduated QB Cade Oliver, now at Washburn, but Wyatt Wurtz and Eli Oliver both appear capable of the job. WHS faces state power Smith Center in the district opener.
Jeff Co. North returns a multi-season starter at QB in Blake Fowler and he’ll have receiver Grady Noll to target in the passing game. Five experienced O-linemen return to help protect new weapons, but the Chargers will need to develop a new group of linebackers and defensive backs. Replacing QB Jason Bosley is key for Jackson Heights to be a factor in the District 4 race with Centralia the likely favorite. Plainville returns Kyle Werner and three big interior lineman to battle a brutal schedule. Oakley returns 11 starters, including se nior quarterback Will Schmidt, from a 4-6 team.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 113
Eleven players with starting experience return, including AllState linebacker Koen Werner. Veteran Cardinal head coach Jeff Werner – Koen’s uncle – prefers playing his guys one-way in an effort to keep them fresh, and plans to do so as much as possible again in 2022. A young Hutch-Trinity Catholic squad finished 4-5 with four of their losses coming against teams with eight wins or more. Now, moving from 2A to 1A in 2022, Trinity brings back 10 offensive and defensive starters from last season, including All-State run ning back Caleb Sanger. Despite dropping to 1A, Trinity won’t have it easy with Conway Springs and Inman both in their district, and Sedgwick and Remington giving the Celtics tough tests out of district as well. Inman lost plenty of All-State talent from last year’s 11-1 State Runner-up squad, but 2021 1A Coach of the Year Lance Sawyer isn’t without an experienced group to build around. Senior cousins Eli and Harrison Brunk give the Teutons two talented receiving threats, while junior Tanner Heckel returns after rushing for 675 yards on 62 carries. Sawyer expects some players to move po sitions offensively from last year, with that the likely solution to replacing QB Jace Doerksen. Defensively, Sawyer believes his team can improve on what he called his hardest hitting team ever last season. Centralia says goodbye to seven players that earned post season awards in 2021, as well as long-time head coach Larry Glatczak, who coached the Panthers to four state champion ships. Glatczak’s final squad finished 8-3 after a 28-6 semifinal loss to Olpe in the 1A state playoffs. Glatczak’s assistant, Roger Holthaus, takes over as the new leader of the program and gets back six guys with starting experience. Replacing All-State QB Ethan McNally and a majority of the offensive line will be two of the biggest holes to address.
By Keegan McCullick & John Baetz, Kansas Pregame Olpe made it back-to-back 1A State Championships last fall after beating Inman in the title game 35-6, finishing 12-0 and out scoring opponents 586-24 with shutouts in all but three games. As if owning the last two falls wasn’t good enough, later in the spring of 2022 Schmidt and the Olpe boys also won a second straight 1A State Championship in basketball, cementing a unique and dom inant spot in Kansas sports history for the coach and his squads. The consecutive football titles, along with Schmidt’s 2014 2-1A gridiron championship, makes it three total in Schmidt’s career. Entering his 16th season as head coach of the Eagles, Schmidt is going to have to replace multiple All-State athletes, including 1A Defensive Player of the Year Ted Skalsky, now a Fort Hays State linebacker, but a number of bright spots do return. All-State senior Garret Cole and junior Blake Skalsky give them a strong presence up front defensively, while All-State senior defensive back Blake Redeker gives them continuity in the secondary after picking off six passes last year. Offensively, two linemen return with Cole and junior Rowdy Orear, as well as All-State receiver Truman Bailey, who caught nine TD passes as a junior, but may take the reins from graduated quarterback Damon Redeker. Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan closed out at 4-5 last season – the first losing record for the Panthers since 1997 – going 0-4 in the brutal CNC with losses to Girard (10-1 in 2021), Galena (8-2), Frontenac (10-3), and Riverton (8-3), and the fifth a first round playoff loss to Humboldt (6-4). The Panthers have to address the graduations of the All-State backfield duo of Jalen Van Becelaere and QB Aidan Fleming, but with four starting offensive linemen returning along with a strong junior class led by All-State junior re ceiver Tucker Harrell – likely to takeover as the team’s signal-call er – and 500-yard rusher Cooper Simmons. Defensively they re turn nine of their top 12 tacklers, including Simmons, who posted 94 stops, while Harrell had 74. In all, the Panthers bring back 10 starters from last season, with many of them playing both ways.
5. Others:InmanCentralia, Conway Springs, Hutch-Trinity, Jackson Heights, Marion, Oakley, Plainville, Sedgwick, Troy, Wabaunsee
OLPE COACH, CHRIS SCHMIDT PREGAME CLASS 1A PRESEASON RANKINGS
1. Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan 2. St. Marys
Conway Springs finished 8-3 after a 26-13 loss to Inman in the quarterfinals. From that team 14th-year head coach Matt Biehler gets back some key players, including 1,000 yard rusher and All-State linebacker Brayden Kunz, as well as All-State offensive lineman Zane Zoglmann. Replacing All-State QB Izic Billups will be a tough task, but the Cardinals always reload, last posting less than eight wins in a season in a 7-2 finish in 2016. Conway Sprins has 15 double-digit win seasons in the last 25 years. Marion is moving down to 1A and returns 11 players with starting experience from last year’s 5-4 team that lost 34-14 to Chaparral in the first round of the 2A playoffs. The Warriors have plenty of production back with the return of junior QB Jack Lanning and junior Trevor Schafers and senior Nathan Hoffner in the backfield. Four experienced starters on the line, and 10 returning starters defensively, give coach Shaun Craft a potential contender in 1A.
KANSAS
The only other loss Darren Sasse’s 9-2 squad faced was a 38-15 district defeat at the hands of eventual State Runner-up Inman.
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Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Drew Gibbs Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Drew Gibbs, Trenton Talley Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Will have a very inexperienced offensive line and in the secondary. Also, we have a lot of kids in different positions, coule that with a new head coach, may have some growing pains early.”
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Notes: The Dragons slipped from 4-5 in 2020 to 1-8 last fall, two-seasons removed from a breakthrough 8-2 campaign in 2019. Last season was especially disappointing given the Dragons returned 10 lettermen and six experienced two-way starters for now fourth year coach Colton Koenigs. The move to 1A this season means a more competitive schedule.
2021 Record: 3-5 / North Central Activities Assoc.
Notes: The Wildcats weren’t able to crank out a win in Todd Callahan’s first season at the helm and are going to have to address an offense that was shutout five times and a defense that kept just one team below 45 points in a 31-0 loss to Central Heights.
Notes: The Cardinals return significant experience to make another 1A playoff run, but do need to replace graduated QB Izic Billups. Junior RB Brayden Kunz – and four returning O-linemen – will help relieve the pressure on the new signal caller after he rushed for 1,100 yards a year ago. Kunz and Nathan Berntsen return as top defenders. Conway Springs and Inman are the favorites in 1A District 7, but a brutal nondistrict schedule should help prepare the Cardinals. 363-2521
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Levi Christy Passing: Cooper Herman Receiving: Trenton Pierson Tackles: Levi Christy Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to win our district, host a playoff game, and win a playoff game.”
BLUE RAPIDS-VALLEY HEIGHTS
Notes: Cody Trimble inherited a young team from his father, Tony, and went 4-5 against a brutal schedule. VHHS struggled against the best teams on their schedule, including league foe Centralia, who beat them a combined 82-16 in a pair of games, including 41-0 in the second round of the playoffs. This year, the Mustangs move to the west side of the 1A bracket and join a district with Smith Center, Wabaunsee, Republic County, and Sacred Heart.
CENTRALIA 2021 Record: 5-4 / Three Rivers League Head Coach: Nick Cheney (3rd year, 8-8) Assistants: Thomas Charbutt, Ryann Wydick
Tackles: Garrett Siemsen, 76 tkls. Sacks: Ryan Beavers, 4 sacks Interceptions: Collin Dahl, 2 INTs
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Head Coach: Jesse Hodgson (2nd year, 3-5; 6th overall, 20-25) Assistants: Chris Zach, Dakota Breuer, Mikel Cottenmyre Offense: Wing Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Austin Scrivner, WR, 5-8, 130, Jr.; Trey Melton, QB/SS, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Maddix Siemsen, CB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Alex Dyke, CB, WB, 5-9, 145, Jr.; Collin Dahl, TB/DD, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Garrett Siemsen, FB/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Ryan Beavers, OL/DL, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Carson Simmons, LB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Hudson Brzon, OL/DL, 6-1, 190, Sr.
Notes: The Vikings forfeited their varsity schedule last year and played only JV competition and went 1-8. In the previous two seasons of varsity play NEHS was a combined 2-14. David Pitts now enters his fourth season leading the Viking program, but just the third of varsity football. The Vikings appear to be in a somewhat balanced district with Southeast, Erie, Uniontown, and favorite Colgan.
Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Cade Burdette DB/WR, 5-11, 155, Sr.; Jace Flower, OL/DL, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Kolby Lovll, OL/LB, 5-8, 178, Sr.; Deric Mitchell, WR/DB, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Blake Logan, TE/OLB, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Damius Sanchez, WR/DB, 5-11, 169, Jr.
Notes: The then Class 2A Lancers posted their second winning record in the last three seasons last fall and now move down to Class 1A District 1 with Northeast-Arma, Erie, Uniontown, and district favorite Pittsburg-St. Mary’s Colgan. The Lancers took their lumps against the best teams on the schedule last fall allowing at least 39 points in three of the four losses while not ever scoring more than six points against those opponents. SEHS will be relatively young this season with only three returning senior starters after graduating eight players in the Class of 2022. Coach Cheney said those players “believed in each other,” and added, “someone needs to fill their roles on the field.” Senior Cade Burdette is the Lancers’ top returning player after he earned first team all-league honors as a receiver and defensive back last fall. Three returning junior starters are also back after starting last year as sophomores and four additional juniors and five sophomores are expected to compete for the other starting spots.
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Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Caden Parker, 76 car., 382 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Caden Parker, 8-33, 136 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Jayden Dewalt, 1 rec., 5 yds. Tackles: Kaison Bigham, 83 tks. Sacks: Kaison Bigham, 2 sacks Interceptions: Jayden Dewalt, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We return an experienced backfield this season, even with the loss of our All-State tailback Trent L’Ecuyer. We will have our work cut out for us to replace Trent, but we have a lot of returners who have the potential to step into that role. We return Caden Parker at QB and FS and Jacob Sweet who played D-Line and will look to fill our one graduation spot on the O-line. We do return all other starters up front on offense and defense which will be a big help in replacing our tailback.”
Notes: Jesse Hodgson led the Buffs to a 3-5 record last fall after the team ended the season on a four-game losing streak that included a two-point loss to Atchison Co. and three blowouts at the hands of 2A powers St. Marys, Nemaha Central, and Rossville. Nine starters return as Republic Co. slips back to 1A where they’ll play in one of the tougher districts with the likes of Smith Center, Wabaunsee, Valley Heights, and Sacred Heart. The D could be a strength early as Garrett Siemsen is one of 1A’s top defenders and Collin Dahl was an All-NCAA D-back.
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to build a team culture that is conducive to success on and off the field, getting better at the little things, and get back to having fun playing football. Our key to success is staying positive in times of adversity.”
ARMA-NORTHEAST 2021 Record: 1-8 / Central Plains League Head Coach: Colton Koenigs (4th year, 13-15) Assistants: Blake Pontius, Chase Martin, Ethan Straw Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Trenton Pierson, WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Levi Christy, RB/LB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Grant Glover, OL, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Cooper Herrman, QB/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Collin Dahl, 382 yds. Passing: Trey Melton, 294 yds. Receiving: Collin Dahl, 193 yds.
2021 Record: 0-0 / Three Rivers League Head Coach: David Pitts (3rd year, 2-14) Assistants: Tanner Pitts, Blake Adelman Offense: Double Wing Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Alex Coy, RB/DB, 5-7, 145, So.; Chance McReynolds, TE/DE, 5-9, 150, So.; Brandon Sigmon, TE/LB, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Seth Boley, TE/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Cameron Horning, OL/DL, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Wade Carden, OL/DL, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Korbyn Larson, OL/DL, 5-6, 175, So.; Devan Vance, RB/DB, 5-7, 145, Jr.; LaBraydon Clemons, RB/LB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Braydon Bolton, OL/DL, 5-11, 230, Sr. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “I expect them to keep improving from week to week, and have a positive attitude in the classroom as well as on the field. The team will need to be able to pass the ball, cut down on turnovers, and play more disciplined football.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 115
Returning starters: Brayden Kunz, RB/LB, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Nathan Berntsen, FB/LB, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Gunner Williams, OL, 5-11, 260, Jr.; Zane Zoglmann, OL/DE, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Ben Ward, OL, 6-0, 315, Sr.; Colton Wolken, OL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Taylor Wykes, TE, 6-2, 160, Jr.; Cade Howell, DL, 5-9, 185, So.
Tackles: Nathan Berntsen, Brayden Kunz, 58 tkls. ea.
Notes: The Panthers graduated a quality group of seniors, including seven players that earned some level of postseason honors a year ago, but the biggest change will be on the sideline, where Larry Glatczak ends his 16-year run as head coach after 150 wins and just 46 losses and State Championships in 2009, 2011, 2013, and 2019, with a runner-up finish in 2012. Long-time assistant Roger Holthaus takes over as head coach and in spite of the graduation losses returns quite a bit of experience to continue the Panthers’ winning tradition, including five seniors with starting experience. Holthaus welcomes back a pair of quality options in the backfield in Trenton Talley and Drew Gibbs while two offensive linemen and two tight ends are back to help open up holes for the new offensive weapons. Talley and Gibbs also earned first team allleague honors for their play at linebacker and junior Brody Grossnickle was a second team linebacker making the defense a strength early. In spite of graduation losses CHS is likely the District 4 favorite.
2021 Record: 4-5 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Cody Trimble (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Jordan Broxterman, Adam Schreiner, Logan Woodyard Offense: Triple Option Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Caden Parker, QB/DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Dustin Denton, TE/LB, 6-0, 155, So.; Tyrel Wagner, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Drake Slifer, OL/DL, 6-3, 170, Jr.; Royce Ekstrum, TE/LB, 6-0, 150, So.; Kaison Bigham, OL/LB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Logan Gray, FB/LB, 5-11, 150, So.; Jayden Dewalt, TB/CB, 5-9, 145, So.; Jacob Sweet, OL/DL, 6-1, 280, Sr.
Assistants: Payton Hines
CHEROKEE-SOUTHEAST CONWAY SPRINGS
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brayden Kunz, 128 car., 1,120 yds., 18 TDs Receiving: Taylor Wykes, 9 rec., 164 yds., 2 TDs
HEIGHTS
2021 Record: 8-3 / Central Plains League Head Coach: Matt Biehler (14th year, 121-24) Assistants: Brent Martens, Gregg Hullinger, Ryan King, Tristan Carson Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-4
2021 Record: 0-8 / Flint Hills League Head Coach: Todd Callahan (2nd year, 0-8)
2021 Record: 8-3 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Roger Holthaus (1st year) Assistants: Dusty Thompson, Jim Kramer, Tyler Glatczak Offense: Single Wing Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Trenton Talley, RB/DB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Drew Gibbs, RB/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Derek Ronnebaum, OL/LB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Nick Thompson, OL/DL, 5-11, 205, Sr.; Brock Reinecke, TE/DL, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Brody Grossnickle, TE/LB, 5-9, 160, Jr.
Sacks: Nathan Berntsen, 3 sacks Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The 2022 season features key CPL match-ups with Garden Plain, Kingman, and Chaparral before entering district play. Our schedule will test us right away, so the offseason is critical for developing depth. The Cardinal Wing offense will look to rely heavily on the rushing attack. Look for Brayden Kunz, Nathan Berntsen, and Isaac Winter to handle the duties with Zane Zoglmann, Colton Wolken, Gunner Williams, and Ben Ward clearing the path. The defensive line and linebackers will need to be explosive, aggressive, and stressful on opponents. We will have many new faces in the secondary.”
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Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team goals will always be taking the season one game at a time. We have a great group of seniors that will need to push themselves as well as be leaders to a solid group of underclassmen. We had several guys get really meaningful minutes last year due to injuries. Those same guys are going to need to continue to develop. The key for us this year will be having all 11 guys on the field doing their jobs every single play.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for the season are to grow as a team, play as one, believe in your brothers on the left and right, and play with heart. We should play as a team, and should have a couple above average backs, as the year goes on hope our offensive line will play as one. Defense needs to play with some heart each and every down for Southeast to win games.”
Waterville
Notes: Mission Valley lost a de facto third place district game to Pleasant Ridge 34-28 and took their lumps from Mid-East League foes Silver Lake, Rossville, and St. Marys last fall in finishing the year 2-7. Now the Vikings move down to 1A where they’ll play in District 3 with McLouth, Oskaloosa, Valley Falls, Jeff County North, and heavy-favorite St. Marys. The Vikings graduated a trio of quality seniors in QB Carter Phillips, D-back Joel Deters, and big lineman Chris Cain (now at Hutch CC). New head coach Kevin Vanderbilt welcomes plenty of experience entering 2022 with sophomore Porter Deters and senior Victor Vargas providing a pair of talented options at the quarterback position after Vargas missed all but two games last season due to injury and Deters showed versatility on offense. An experienced O-line should help the new offense.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: Drew Heinz, 664 yds. Receiving: N/A Tackles: Bryan Jaske, 64 tkls.; Jonathan Mason, 63 tkls. Sacks: N/A Int.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Team goals are to win the small aspects the game of football presents. With those small things adding up those lead to the bigger goal of winning ball games. The key to our success will be committing to the offseason workouts as well as commitment to building the foundation of the team and culture.”
HUTCH-TRINITY CATHOLIC INMAN
JACKSON HEIGHTS JOHNSON-STANTON COUNTY
2021 Record: 1-8 / Central Prairie League Head Coach: Brett Stindt (1st year) Assistants: Ryan Wirtz, Andrew Gower
Notes: Inman graduates a successful 2022 class that achieved a State Championship berth, semifinal appearance, and quarterfinal appearance the last three years. Even so, the Teutons return plenty of experience and speed and will likely battle Conway Springs and wildcard Hutch-Trinity for supremacy in District 7. Key will be the replacement of QB Jace Doerksen and development along the interior lines.
Sacks: Trey McGinley, 1 sack Interceptions: Porter Deters, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “There will be quite a bit of change in the program. The team goal is to win more games than they did the previous season and to win a postseason game.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Tackles: Bryan Callejas, 36 tkls. Interceptions: Bryan Callejas, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to post a positive turnover ratio and finish in the top two in our district. Our backfield has very little experience and will need to develop quickly.”
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Passing: None Receiving: Jude Williams, 13 rec., 209 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Julian Butto, 65 tkls. Sacks: None Int.: Julian Butto, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team goals have not changed since my first year here at Jackson Heights; We expect to compete for league and district championships, along with a long playoff run. For that to occur, multiple people have to step up and take a larger role on this team. We are going to be relying on a great sophomore class that will need to grow up fast. Our seniors need to be great leaders for our younger kids. We might have some bumps in the road to begin the year, but hope to be playing our best football come playoff time.
Returning starters: Victor Vargas, QB/S, Sr.; Kyler Stephenson, OL/LB, Sr.; Corbett Hinck, OL/DL, Sr.; Mick Quinn, RB/LB, Sr.; Trey McGinley, OL/LB, Sr.; Kyle Brogan, WR/C, Sr.; Colton Applehanz, WR/C, Jr.; Nick Price, WR/C, Jr.; Porter Deters, QB/RB/S, So.; Conner Hoelting, OL/DL, So.; Allen Hofman, OL/ DL, So.; Gabe Willard, OL/DL, So.
Notes: The Railers were extremely competitive in their first two games of the season and then got a bit of a shock when new head coach James Johnston tendered his resignation on Wednesday of Week 4 of the season. Assistants Derek Schoenthaler and Ty Cass took the reins of the program and the team continued their competitive play in losses to Lakin and TMP before posting a three-game win streak. The Railers closed the year with a 35-14 loss to 2A power Hoisington. Schoenthaler takes over as head coach this fall as Ellis returns to 1A where they’ll compete in District 8 with Stanton County, Oakley, Plainville, and Syracuse. Key players Mason Gottschalk and Tyson Jimenez are lost to graduation, but six returning position player starters are back to help Schoenthaler improve on last year’s three-win season. Honorable mention all-league linebacker Rex Johnson is the top returner after he posted 83 tackles last fall as a junior.
Notes: Former Kansas Weselyan player and Republic Co. grad Brett Stindt takes over an Ellinwood team that won just two games total in the last three seasons but returns a group with plenty of lessons from the school of hard knocks. Seven returning junior starters are back with most of them already entering their third year of varsity football. Nine total starters are back to help Stindt build a contender in Class 1A. After starting the last two seasons with a brutal four game stretch featuring 1A powers Olpe, Inman, Smith Center, and Conway Springs, the Eagles will now play Syracuse, Douglass, Stanton Co., and Hutch-Trinity, teams that won one, two, three, and four games respectively in 2021. District 7 presents a challenge with Conway Springs and Inman, and an improved Hutch-Trinity.
2021 Record: 3-6 / Tri-Valley League Head Coach: Eddie Kearns (3rd year, 9-18) Assistants: Jamie Carlisle, Dan Wilson Offense: Spread / Wing Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Cayce Welch, RB/LB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Ruben Mata, RB/LB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Ty Taylor, RB/LB, 6-2, 205, Sr.; Dakota Becker, OL/DL, 6-1, 235, Sr.; Daniel Choi, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Brice DeMerritt, OL/DE, 6-3, 240, Jr.; Seth Welch, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, So.; Landen Kmiec, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Rex Johnson, 155 yds. Passing: N/A. Receiving: Rex Johnson, 50 yds. Tackles: Rex Johnson, 83 tkls. Sacks: Carson North, 4 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to set the tone and culture for the 2022-23 school year, win a playoff game, play for 13 weeks, and lay the track for future Railers. We will need to be committed and trust each other.”
Offense: Wishbone Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Drew Heinz, QB/DB, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Alec Brack, WR/CB, 5-8, 140, Jr.; Logan Panning, RB/S, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Rylan Wirtz, RB/LB, 6-0, 150, Jr.; Matthew Cook, WR/CB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Campbell Coleman, FB/TE/DE, 5-11, 165, So.; Devyn Johnson, OL/DL, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Bryan Jaske, OL/FB/MLB, 5-10, 200, Jr.; Jonathan Mason, OL/DL, 6-2, 265, Jr.
2021 Record: 3-5 / Hi-Plains League Head Coach: Aaron Sperber (3rd year, 3-13) Assistants: Clint Floyd, KC Higley Offense: Triple Option Defense: 4-4
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Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Cayce Welch Passing: None Receiving: Cayce Welsh Tackles: Cayce Welch Sacks: Cayce Welch Interceptions: None Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We went to the playoffs last year and lost in the first round. We would like to go deeper into the playoffs, and have a winning season. We are going to really work hard on improving our blocking schemes, and our running game. Need to balance our offense.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Tanner Heckel, 62 car., 675 yds. Passing: None Receiving: Harrison Brunk, 28 rec., 661 yds., 8 TDs Tackles: Dominic Nuese-Rasmussen, 71 tkls.; Tanner Heckel, 70 tkls. Sacks: Eli Brunk, 4 sacks Interceptions: Josiah Buller, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have high expectations this year and are looking forward to getting back to practice. We return a lot of starters but also have some holes to fill on the offensive line. Offensively, we have experience but will change positions. We will need to be able to open up what we do on offense and defense. Our defense was so good last season, and we hit harder than any team that I have had, but I think this season has a chance to be even better.”
2021 Record: 3-5 / Mid-Continent League Head Coach: Derek Schoenthaler (1st year) Assistants: Junior LaBarge, Toby Godwin, Ty Cass Offense: Split-back Defense: 5-3 Returning starters: Maverick Gnad, OL, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Rex Johnson, RB/LB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Carson North, OL/DE, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Alex McGuire, OL/DE, 6-4, 195, Sr.; Jarret Mader, DB, 6-1, 160, Sr.; Rylan Cass, LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Logan Russell, P/K, 5-10, 175, Jr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 116 ELLINWOOD ELLIS ERIE ESKRIDGE-MISSION VALLEY
2021 Record: 5-5 / Northeast Kansas League Head Coach: Caleb Wick (11th year, 65-34) Assistants: Greg Nilges, Brett Plattner, Matt Schumann, Jeremy Melvin, Tyrell Childs Offense: Spread Power Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Julian Butto, G/DT, 5-9, 195, Sr.; JW Moore, G/DE, 5-10, 185, So.; Alex Browning, RB/ OLB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Titus Eisenbarth, RB/LB, 5-10, 140, Sr.; Haden Doyle, T/DT, 5-7, 220, Sr.; Devin Mock, WR/DE, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Jude WIlliams, WR/LB, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Taegan Binkley, WR/FS, 5-6, 140, Sr.
Notes: A young Celtics team went 4-5 last fall with two losses by eight points or less, including a 20-14 overtime loss to Haven in Week 7. Now Trinity moves down to 1A District 7 with an experienced squad that should challenge Inman and Conway Springs for district supremacy. Sedgwick and Remington provide challenging non-district tests as ninth-year coach Jordan Bell looks to get the Celts back above .500.
Notes: Caleb Wick enters his 11th season as head coach at Jackson Heights with seven experienced seniors back to help the Cobras continue as a 1A contender. JHHS was dominant in their five wins last fall and ultra-competitive in losses to seven win teams Wabaunsee and Jeff Co. North, but against the best in 1A the Cobras struggled with a 36-12 loss to Centralia and a pair of 35-0 losses to 1A Champs Olpe. Job one is replacing QB Jason Bosley, but the experience is there for the Cobras to be a factor in the District 4 race with Centralia the likely favorite.
Returning starters: Brendon Morris, OL/DL, 6-4, 235, Sr.; Jaxson McMillan, TE/DL, 5-10, 165, Sr.; Peyton Patrick, OL/DL, 5-10, 240; Bryan Callejas, RB/LB, 6-1, 160, Jr.; David Aguilar, OL/DL, 5-9, 185, Jr.; Juan Toral, OL/DL, 5-11 210, So.; Ronnie Andrade, OL/LB, 5-10, 180, So.; Bryan Rios, OL/ DL, 5-10, 185, Jr.
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2021 Record: 4-5 / Heart of America League Head Coach: Jordan Bell (9th year, 48-30) Assistants: Mike Miller, Curtis Grote, Bret Towell
Offense: No Huddle/Multiple Defense: N/A Returning starters: Aidan Armour, WR/LB, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Eric Armour, QB/DB, 6-1, 160, Jr.; Angel Faudoa, OL/DL, Sr.; Blake Hammeke, WR/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Gavin Judy, OL, 5-10, 280, Jr.; Caleb Sanger, RB/LB, 5-8, 170, Sr.; Ezekiel Suter, WR/DB, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Samuel Suter-Tan, OL/DL, Jr.; Tanner Weathers, OL, 5-10, 215, Jr.; Gavin Wilson, WR/LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Andrew Neal, DB; Isaiah Suter-Tan, LB, Jr.
Offense: Pistol Spread Defense: 4-2-5
Notes: To most a 3-5 season may not seem like something to celebrate, but when it ends a 13-game losing streak and serves as the most wins since 2017 then there is reason for excitement. That was the result for Stanton County in 2021 and it was so close to a winning season with losses to Southwestern Heights (6-0) and Elkhart (10-8) by the slimmest of margins. The Trojans did struggle against the best on their schedule with shutout losses to Sedgwick (62-0), Conway Springs (65-0), and Ell-Saline (48-0), but eight returning starters, and what appears to be a balanced Class 1A District 8, is reason for optimism for third year Trojan head coach Aaron Sperber. The key on offense will be to find replacements for quarterback Jarren Rios, running back Sam Canny, and receiver Sam Davidson, but the interior lines are experienced. Second team all-league junior linebacker Bryan Callejas is back to lead the defense after posting 36 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Plainville and Oakley are likely district favorites.
2021 Record: 2-7 / Flint Hills League Head Coach: Kevin Vanderbilt (1st year) Assistants: Matt Bisnett, Jarrod Taylor, Adam Kelley
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jude Williams, 40 car., 312 yds., 3 TDs
Returning Statistical Leaders Rushing: Porter Deters, 53 car., 204 yds., 2 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Porter Deters, 11 rec., 224 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Corbett Hinck, 35 tkls.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Caleb Sanger Passing: Eric Armour Receiving: Aidan Armour, Blake Hammeke Tackles: Caleb Sanger Sacks: Caleb Sanger Interceptions: Eric Armour Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are extremely excited about the upcoming 2022 season. Trinity Catholic will return 10 starters on both the offensive and defensive side of the ball. As a coaching staff, we are looking forward to coaching an experienced football team that is eager to learn, dedicated to being successful and continuing the success of Celtic football. With a projected roster of 35 players, the largest numbers in several years, we are eager on building much needed depth. Continued development of underclassmen will remain a priority to sustain the success of the football program in future years.”
2021 Record: 11-1 / Heart of America Head Coach: Lance Sawyer (7th year, 35-28; 16th overall, 69-77) Assistants: Bill Garst, Greg Froese, Wyatt Meier
Offense: Pistol Wing T Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Tanner Heckel, QB/DB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Eli Brunk, TE/LB, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Harrison Brunk, WR/DB/KR, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Zaden Johnson, OL, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Dominic Nuese-Rasmussen, OL/ DL, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Talon Welch, RB/LB, 6-1, 195, Jr.; Zachary Martisko, OL/LB, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Dawson McConnell, RB/DL/P, 6-0, 180, Jr.; Josiah Buller, WR/ DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Sammy Shober, RB/LB, 5-8, 190, Sr.; Kellen Schrag, RB/DB, 5-11, 170, Jr.
Notes: The Red Devils graduated much of their offensive production from a year ago including quarterback Garrett Ruark, third and fourth leading rushers Caden Eads and Quentin Heady, and top receiver Easton Dillinger. Seven of the top 11 tacklers are also gone. But the cupboard is not bare for third year Erie head coach Eddie Kearns who welcomes back four experienced seniors to help push EHS forward this fall. Cayce Welch is the most notable of these as the 6-2, 195 pound running back and linebacker is the top returning rusher, receiver, and tackler. The Devils also welcome back good size along the offensive and defensive fronts in senior Dakota Becker and juniors Daniel Choi and Brice DeMerritt. If Kearns can replace Ruark with adequate play at quarterback Erie could content in a district that includes Northeast-Arma, Southeast-Cherokee, Uniontown, and heavy favorite Colgan.
MARION 2021 Record: 0-7 / Northeast Kansas League Head Coach: Gary Freeman (8th year, 11-50) Assistants: Rodney Carlton, TJ Patz Offense: Power Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Dayton Flint, RB/MLB, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Jayden Phillips, OL/DL, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Caeden Murphy, OL/DL, 5-10, 195, Jr.; Judd Holwick, OL/DL, 6-1, 215, So.; Gage Fields, RB/OL, 5-10, 165, So.; Jerrick Chenhall, DB, 5-9, 140, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to get multiple playoff wins. To do this we need clock management and to be able to run the ball.”
2021 Record: 0-9 / Tri- Valley League Head Coach: Ethan Baker (1st year) Assistants: Joe Burgardt, Chase Ratzlaff, Chuck Bisbee, Nash Burtin, Eric Pretz Offense: Pro I Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Gavin Worrell, OL/DL, 5-8, 280, Sr.; Kolby Hebb, OL/DL, 6-4, 290, Sr.; Christian Solis, DB, 5-8, 150, Sr.; Dawson Crutcher, TE/LB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Brody Mohr, QB, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Tucker Gibb, WR/DB, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Malachi Jimenez, DE, 6-4, 180, Jr.; Laythan Vice, FB/DB, 5-6, 120, So.; Ayden Mashaney, DE, 5-6, 130, So.; Korbin Hebb, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, So.
2021 Record: 5-4 / Heart of America League Head Coach: Shaun Craft (5th year, 11-25) Assts.: Jordan Metro, Tyler McMichael, Jimmy Shipman Offense: Veer Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Jack Lanning, QB/LB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Trevor Schafers, RB/LB, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Nathan Hoffner, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Jonathan Frese, RB/ FS, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Chance Shults, WR/CB, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Ian Ingels, WR/CB, 6-4, 180, Sr.; Cole Smith, OL/LB, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Quade Williams, OL/DL, 6-3, 310, Sr.; Landon Dye, OL/DL, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Kayden Nelson, OL/DL, 5-10, 215, Jr.; Caleb Darrow, LB, 5-7, 160, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Will Schmidt, 43 car., 255 yds., 2 TDs; Landyn Plummer, 35 car., 232 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Will Schmidt, 48-91, 712 yds., 7 TDs Receiving: Brayden Cunningham, 19 rec., 246 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Josiah Annis, 61 tkls. Sacks: Carter Krier, 1 sack Ints.: Will Schmidt, Landyn Plummer, 2 ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Defensively we need to do a better job at forcing turnovers and being more physical, while finding the discipline to not give up the big play. Our health will be a major concern if we are hoping to win games in October and November when they are the most critical. We want to be playing our best football in the latter part of the year where hopefully our early schedule will be beneficial to us.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Zac Fisher, 164 car., 1,131 yds., 19 TDs Passing: Zac Fisher, 24-55, 340 yds., 7 TDs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will be led by four-year starter Zac Fisher. He can run and throw and is a very good athlete. Zac is a great leader as well. Our O-line returns several guys and is basically intact. Our backfield will include Josh Daniels and Jackson Kolterman getting some touches and possibly Hunter Lamond and Landon Koelling factoring in also. Needless to say, they will lack experience. The ends/receivers group is yet to be determined. JD Rice, Konnor Nider, and Bryson Conger could possibly rotate. Defensively we should be decent up front. Both our LB and DB groups have some pieces in place but some guys will need to step up. Overall we are striving to be more competitive, more hard-nosed, and more physical. We continue to emphasize the fundamentals of good blocking and good tackling as well as reacting better and faster defensively. We are returning to 11-Man football which will create some new challenges. Most notably playing an entirely new schedule. We feel like we are up to the task and the return has created a lot of excitement amongst our team, school, and community.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Garret Cole, 490 yds. Passing: N/A Receiving: Truman Bailey, 329 yds., 9 TDs Tackles: Garret Cole, 83 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Blake Redeker, 6 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We want to improve throughout the season and hopefully make a run in the postseason. For us to be successful we need to do the fundamentals of the game - block, tackle and execute. If we do these decently we will be okay.”
Notes: Former Pleasanton coach Dustin Johnson returns to high school after a stint as a college assistant. He inherits an experienced team with just three total wins the past two years.
Notes: Olpe is in the midst of a historic run with back-to-back State Titles in football and basketball. A trio of All-State defensive players are gone from a unit that allowed 24 points all year; LB Ted Skalsky, and D-backs Damon Redeker and Derek Hoelting. Redeker also orchestrated the offense as a multi-season starter at QB and Skalsky was one of four graduated offensive linemen. Garret Cole is back to take over the leadership role on defense from Skalsky after posting 83 tackles a season ago. Senior Blake Redeker returns to patrol the secondary after recording six interceptions a year ago while Truman Bailey returns as one key offensive weapon and along with Redeker will likely carry a bigger load on offense this fall. Junior Blake Skalsky will anchor one defensive end spot and should have a continued key role in the passing game. Expectations do not diminish in Olpe, but job one is to rebuild the O-line.
MOUND CITY-JAYHAWK LINN OAKLEY OLPE ONAGA 2021 Record: 4-5 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Ben Kolterman (5th year, 14-21) Assistants: Will Kolterman, Ramon Fisher
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will look for leadership from our seniors Dylan Nickelson, Austin Nation, and Garrett Seely, and so far they have been great. We have a bunch of young hungry kids who just want to work. These seniors are good role models for their development. Our overall team speed will surprise some people and we should be physical across the board. That’s what we have been preaching all offseason, get off the ball on offense and D. As for expectations, it is to prepare every day so that we can perform on Friday nights and that starts in the summer and continues to fall camp. And to find value in every player on our roster and create value for them by the habits we develop. Our main goal will always be personal development to help them become the best Jayhawk they can be, on the field, in the classroom, off the field. Our mantra is ‘Raise The Flag’ and if things continue to grow in our program we will raise some banners also.”
OAKLEY, KS 3670 US Hwy 40 Toll Free: 800-209-4001 785-672-3272 Good Luck Plainsmen! 3670 US Hwy 40 785-672-3272 Dine-in, Carryout or Delivery 514785-672-3108S.FreemanAve.Oakley David Hubert, Agent Phone: 785-671-4381 M e l ’ s T i r eMel’s Tire 915 Graham Street • Emporia, melstire@melstirellc.com620-342-8473KS 2021 Record: 2-6 / Three Rivers League Head Coach: Dustin Johnson (1st year; 6th overall) Assistants: Dillon Roberts, Chase Brown, Brandon Offense:Clark Air Raid Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Dylan Nickelson, QB/MLB, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Austin
Returning starters: Zac Fisher, QB/DB, 6-1, 185, Sr.; Jeramia Dorsey, C/DL, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Colby Fordham, OL/LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Rayce Fisher, OL/DE, 6-1, 255, Jr.; Landon Koelling, OLB/DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.; Tatum Lara, OL/DL, 6-0, 250, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Trevor Schafers, 756 yds., 12 TDs Passing: Jack Lanning, 39-86, 586 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Ian Ingels, 8 rec., 199 yds., 2 TDs; Chance Shults, 8 rec., 192 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Trevor Schafers, 49 tkls. Sacks: Jack Lanning, 8 sacks Int.: Trevor Schafers, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2021 season: “Overall, the kids have had a great offseason in the weight room and continue to work hard with the goal of getting Warrior football back in the postseason.”
Notes: The Warriors return a load of experience from last year’s 5-4 squad, including a quality junior class, and will be the favorite to challenge Sedgwick for the 1A District 6 title. On offense the Warriors have the entire backfield returning led by All-District players Jack Lanning (QB) and Trevor Schafers (RB). Jonathan Frese also returns after replacing Nathan Hoffner who suffered a season ending injury in the 2021 opener. Four O-linemen return to pave the way. Defensively, the Warriors return 10 starters with all the LBs and D-backs returning. The D-line will be anchored by All-District senior Quade Williams (6-3, 310). The linebacker corps will be led by Schafers and Lanning, who also earned All-District on defense.
LEON-BLUESTEM
Notes: Onaga returns to 11-Man in a tough district with Centralia, Jackson Heights and Troy. Zac Fisher could emerge as one of the top players in 1A if his supporting cast can stay healhty. whitesfoodliner.com
Notes: New coach Nick Schmidt takes over for Jake Bjostad as Medicine Lodge returns to 11-Man play. Schmidt inherits a young and inexperienced squad, but does have the luxury of big defensive tackle Harlem Miller back to clog up the middle of opposing offensive lines. The 5-10, 275-pound junior is quick and physical and is one of the strongest players in Class 1A with a 485 pound squat and 275 pound bench press. His position on offense is yet to be determined but he could play a variety of roles for the Indians. MLHS put together a six-game win streak to start the season last fall, but ended with three competitive losses to the best teams on their schedule. Graduated from that squad are standouts Theron Wedel, Chance Winter, and Cauy Scripsick. Nation, WR/SS, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Gus Grote, WR/LB, 6-3, 180, Jr.; Braden Nation, TE/LB, 6-0, 190, So.; Dayson Eastwood, OL/DL, 5-10, 190, So.; Ethan Raines, OL/DL, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Micah Orr, OL/DL, 5-11, 180, So.; Garrett Seely, WR/FS, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Andre Flores, RB/NT, 5-8, 155, Jr.; Tucker Hall, RB/LB, 5-8, 145, Jr.
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MCLOUTH MEDICINE LODGE 2021 Record: 6-3 / Central Plains League Head Coach: Nick Schmidt (1st year) Assistants: Shane Hahn, James Manning, Tanner Wedel Offense: Wing Pistol Spread Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Harlem Miller, DT, Jr.; Keveon Ruiz, WR/DB, So.; Jacob Eck, OL/DT, Jr.; Carter Cunningham, QB/LB, Jr.
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “A young team short of players will be forced to play a lot of snaps on both sides of the ball. Staying healthy will be paramount to keep these kids on the field to continue to try to improve each week. If they play as well as they can I see some opportunities to surprise some teams on our schedule this year.”
Notes: After two cancellations to start off the season McLouth faced a tough stretch of games that included Atchison County, Rossville, Pleasant Ridge, and Silver Lake, and never corrected course, ending the year without a win for the second straight year. One key that could help stabilize McLouth this season is the return of a majority of last year’s offensive line, but the Bulldogs will still be young with just two returning senior starters. Veteran coach Gary Freeman is hopeful the move to 1A will mean a more manageable schedule.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Christian Solis, 10 rec., 134 yds., 1 TD Tackles: N/A Sacks: Malchi Jimenez, 4 sacks Ints.: Christian Solis, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal for this year is to improve every game and play smashmouth football. The key to our success this year will be hitting the weight room and being committed as a team.”
Notes: A young Plainsmen squad played a brutal schedule early and opened 0-5 before reeling off four straight wins, including a playoff victory over Elkhart, before falling hard to Inman for the second time on the season. A much more experienced team returns this fall and appears equipped to challenge Plainville for District 8 superiority. Senior QB Will Schmidt is one of the classification’s top returning players.
2021 Record: 4-6 / Mid-Continent League Head Coach: Jeff Hennick (6th year, 21-29; 9th overall, 51-35) Assistants: Drew Siruta, Jeff Dennis, Mike Rains Offense: Gun T Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Carter Krier, RB/DL, 5-4, 135, So.; Brayden Cunningham, RB/DL, 5-10, 205, Sr.; Josiah Annis, OL/LB, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Ryan Huddle, OL/DL, 6-2, 180, So.; Landyn Plummer, RB/DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Sheldon Temaat, OL/DL, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Ace Plummer, WR/DB, 5-10, 140, Jr.; WIll Schmidt, QB/ DB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Craig Kuhlman, OL/DL, 5-10, 270, Sr.; Ivan Jirak, OL/DL, 5-10, 255, Jr.; Mason Jackson, OL/DL, 5-10, 170, So.
2021 Record: 12-0 / Lyon County League Head Coach: Chris Schmidt (16th year, 143-33) Assistants: Terry Smith Offense: I-Backs Defense: 5-2 Base Returning starters: Garret Cole, LB/OL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Blake Redeker, DB/RB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Darren Heins, DB/WR, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Truman Bailey, DE/TE, 6-2, 175, Sr.; Blake Skalsky, DE/WR, 6-5, 185, Jr.; Rowdy Orear, OL, 5-9, 200, Jr.
Notes: The Lions enter 2022 on a 21-game losing streak and have not won more than one game in a season since 2017, but new head coach Ethan Baker welcomes 20 returning lettermen and 10 total starters back to help turn things around. The move to Class 1A can’t hurt after the Lions suffered through a series of blowout losses to Central Plains League opponents in 2A district play last fall. Kolby Hebb, Gavin Worrell, and Malachi Jimenez give the Lions tremendous size up front on both sides of the ball.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 117
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 118 2021 Record: 1-8 / Northeast Kansas League Head Coach: Eddie Minor (1st year) Assistants: N/A
PLAINVILLE PLEASANTON 2021 Record: 3-6 / Three Rivers League Head Coach: Caleb Hendricks (3rd year, 6-12) Assistants: Jaxon Eddy Offense: Multiple Option Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Karsten McKee, RB/LB, 5-10, 236, Sr.; Brandon Greer, C/DE, 5-9; Tony Gillespie, WR/DB, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Bryce Johnson, DE, 6-1, 215, Jr.; Eli McGinnis, RB/LB, 5-10, 155, So.; Taryn Ogden, OL/LB, 5-11, 170, So.
PITT.-ST. MARY’S COLGAN 2021 Record: 6-4 / Mid-Continent League Head Coach: Grant Stephenson (8th year, 52-26) Assistants: Ryan Becker, Justin Casey, Dean Brown, Garrett Smith Offense: Flex Defense: 4-4 Returning starters: Braylon Bittle, OL/DL, 6-3, 260, Jr.; Mason Hogan, OL, 6-4, 270, Jr.; Jesse Wilkerson, OL/DL, 5-11, 190, Jr.; AJ Brown, WR, 6-2, 170, Jr.; Carter Cellmer, DB/WR, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Kyle Werner, RB/LB, 6-0, 210, Sr.
Passing: AJ Brown, 1-1, 30 yds. Receiving: Carter Cellmer, 5 rec., 127 yds. Tackles: Braylon Bittle, 18 tkls. Sacks: Braylon Bittle, Jesse Wilkerson, 1 sack ea. Ints.: Braylon Bittle, Carter Cellmer, 1 INT ea.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Cooper Simmons, 69 car., 563 yds., 9 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Tucker Harrell, 33 rec., 486 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Cooper Simmons, 94 tkls.; Tucker Harrell, 74 tkls. Sacks: Tristan Voss, Kysen Bennett, Brody Kannarr, 1 sack ea. Interceptions: Tucker Harrell, Colin Hite, Tristan Voss, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We expect this year’s team to work together to build a strong, competitive team culture where everyone contributes to their best ability. We want to be a smart, fast, and physical football team that plays with confidence on both sides of the ball.”
Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning lettermen: N/A Returning starters: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A
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Notes: St. Mary’s-Colgan posted their first losing record since 1997 last fall with the same 4-5 mark as that season 25-years ago. The Panthers opened with a brutal three-game stretch against Girard, Galena, and Frotnenac teams that went a combined 28-6 last fall and then posted four straight blowout victories before narrow losses to an eight-win Riverton team (24-20) and a six-win Humboldt team (48-36). Now Colgan makes the move back to 1A and experienced squad are heavy-favorites in District 1. Juniors Cooper Simmons and Tucker Harrell are among the top players in the classification this fall and are part of an excellent group of juniors that will try to put together a two-year run of success on par with the great Panther teams of the past. While the Panthers didn’t suffer significant losses from a season ago they will need to find replacements for QB Aidan Fleming and versatile weapon Jalen Vanbecelaere. Expect great things out of a Panther D that returns nine of the top 12 tacklers, three players that recorded a sack, and four players that recorded an interception.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Karsten McKee, 169 car., 986 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Nate Johnson, 66-100, 681 yds., 7 TDs Receiving: Tony Gillespie, 23 rec., 177 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Karsten McKee, 91 tkls. Sacks: Bryce Johnson, 3 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are coming off of another year where we made great strides as the season progressed. We were incredibly young, and coming into this season we bring a lot of experience back. We graduated three seniors, only one of which was a two-way starter, so we will have a lot of guys that have varsity experience. We only lost one lineman from a year ago as well, so we are able to keep most of our guys up front, which is huge. Karsten McKee is one of our four seniors this season, and he is a three-time captain that will be our leader of the team. Juniors Tony Gillespie, Bryce Johnson, and Jeffry Cayton have started varsity since their freshman year, and we expect them to be big-time players for us. We have a very talented sophomore group that got a lot of varsity experience last season, and some pieces in the freshman class that will contribute as well. In terms of goals, we want to see improvement each and every week, but we are ultimately tired of finishing near the bottom/middle of the pack. This is a year that we feel like we can really make some noise, and we believe we have what it takes to take the next step and put together a winning season. Beyond that, we want to get past the first round of the playoffs and establish the expectation of moving deeper into the playoffs. This is a big year for us as a program, and we are excited to take the next step.”
Notes: With a Week 8 win over McLouth, 25-8, last fall, the Bears ended a 16-game losing streak that dated back to Week 8 of the 2019 season. After one season and one win Russell Norton accepted the head coaching position at Topeka West and Eddie Minor takes over as the head coach at Oskie. The Bears struggled mightily in their first five game last fall, never scoring more than eight points, getting shutout three times, and allowing at least 35 points in the five-losses. The offense made strides in the final four games of the season, scoring at least 12 points in each contest, including the 25-8 win over McLouth, but the defense still struggled, allowing at least 34 points in the three losses, though held the Bulldogs to just one score in the win.
2021 Record: 4-5 / Crawford-Neosho-Cherokee Head Coach: Shawn Seematter (6th year, 37-18) Assistants: Matt Karleskint, Nick Dellasega, Joey Caskey Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Cooper Simmons, RB/LB, 5-10, 195, Jr.; Tucker Harrell, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Brody Kannarr, OL/DL, 5-11, 235, Sr.; Colin Hite, WR/DB, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Carter Jacquinot, TE/LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Keagan Fleming, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Jade Tenry, OL/DL, 5-11, 225, Jr.; Tristan Voss, OL/DL, 6-3, 225, Jr.; Ethan Hoagland, OL/DL, 6-2 235, Jr.; Kysen Bennett, LB, 5-11, 195, Jr.
OSKALOOSA
Notes: The Cardinals need to replace quarterback Ethan Hamilton and athletes Anders Dewey and Ben Hansen, but much of a big, experienced offensive line is back to block for standout senior running back Kyle Werner, a starter since his freshman year. Werner has 1,882 career rushing yards and 16 career rushing touchdowns. He also has 28 career receptions in the passing game with another score, though he did not catch a pass last fall. PHS has even more immediate needs on defense as six of the top nine tacklers from a year ago were lost to graduation. Look for receiver AJ Brown to take the reins at QB and senior receiver to have a bigger role in the offense. A Week 1 matchup with Norton should be one of the state’s feature games. The Cardinals and Oakley appear the favorites of 1A District 8.
Notes: An experienced Blu-Jay team will play in 1A District 2, with Olpe the heavy favorites, but the remainder of the district is wide-open with Northern Heights, Jayhawk-Linn, Pleasanton, and Central Heights combining for eight total wins last year.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Kyle Werner, 102 car., 577 yds., 3 TDs
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to reach our full potential. To do that we must be consistent and minimize mistakes.”
Offense: Wishbone Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Jake Sasse, RB/LB, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Cauy Haresnape, OL/DL, 6-1, 260, Sr.; Bentley Montgomery, RB/DB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Jason Desbien, TE/RB/DB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Kaid Sasse, OL/LB, 6-2, 250, Sr.; Tarek Koelsch, SE/QB/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Luke Franklin, RB/LB, 6-0, 210, Jr.; Eli Franklin, LB, 6-0, 220, Jr.
2021 Record: 4-4 / Flint Hills League Head Coach: Bob Risch (5th year, 13-22) Assistants: Tim Lowe, Zeke Rodriguez, Josh Giambalvo Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Elly Burroughs, WR/DB, 5-8, 135, Sr.; Colton Caswell, WR/LB, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Luke Brown, OL/DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Aiden Welch, OL/DL, Sr.; Kaden Krone, OL/LB, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Caden Newell, OL/DL, Jr.; Carson Wood, TE/DL, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Baker Moore, WR/DB, 5-4, 110, Jr.; Jose Velez, DB, Jr.
STERLING 2021 Record: 1-8 / Hi-Plains League Head Coach: Dwight Green (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: Bryan Schmidt, Angel Salmeron Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Mariano Gomez, TE; Osvaldo Aguilar, OL/LB; Kaidin Upson, OL/DL; Levi Davis, OL/DL; Roy Aguilar, OL/DL; Juan Pinon, DB; Junior Davis, LB; Freddy Vasquez, DB; Jay Gould, QB/DB Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal will be to have a winning season and a playoff berth.”
2021 Record: 0-9 / North Central Activities Assoc.
Notes: Sedgwick edged Smith Center in the quarterfinals in a one-point thriller, 49-48, but couldn’t recreate that magic the next week in a 26-21 loss to Inman and missed their chance to face Olpe in the title game. Gone from that team are standouts Lance Hoffsommer (Emporia St.), Sam Culp (Emporia St.), and Connor Tillman (NW Okie St.). Tillman finished his career as the state’s all-time kicking points leader. Sedgwick and an experienced Marion squad appear to be the favorites in 1A District 6.
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Notes: After nearly knocking off Mid-East League powers Riley County and Silver Lake in the first two weeks last season the Bears were competitive with 2A powerhouse Rossville in Week 3 but fell 44-20. Five straight wins would follow including a quality 30-12 victory over Nemaha Central. Silver Lake would prove too much again in the second round of the playoffs, 56-31, as the Bears ended season two under Kyle Schenk at 5-4. Now the Bears drop to 1A and an experienced and battle-tested team is the likely favorite in District 3. Early season contests with MEL foes Rossville, Rock Creek and Silver Lake should prepare the Bears for a deep playoff run, as long as they can stay healthy. Quarterback Keller Hurla leads a group of seven returning starters. If Schenk can develop talent and depth along the offensive and defensive fronts, and the skill players stay healthy, it could be a special season.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Colton Caswell, 18 car., 245 yds., 3 TDs Passing: None Receiving: 5 rec., 62 yds. Tackles: Carson Wood, 50 tkls.; Aiden Welch, 49 tkls. Sacks: Carson Wood, 8.5 sacks; Aiden Welch, 4 sacks Interceptions: Baker Moore, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Trust will be the key to our season.”
Notes: After six straight seasons of three wins or less the Vikings have now posted back-to-back four win seasons, but the Vikings graduate one of the top players of the past decade of CHHS football in Tony Detwiler. Last year’s senior QB nearly strung together a second consecutive 1,000-yard rushing season with 916 yards and 10 TDs. He accounted for 1,034 career passing yards with 15 TDs and 2,610 career rushing yards with 20 more scores while also making 205 career tackles and five career INTs on D. Junior Colton Caswell (4.57 40 at SP Event in April) will try to replace the lost offensive production and fifth year coach Bob Risch will look to Carson Wood and Aiden Welch to lead the D after the duo combined for 99 tackles and 12.5 sacks last fall. The Vikings play in 1A District 2 which, outside of heavy favorite Olpe, is wide open. CHHS posted dominant wins over current district foes Northern Heights and Jayhawk-Linn last fall with a 20-18 loss to Pleasanton.
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Team goals include bigger roster numbers, a winning culture in the locker room, competition at every level, and competing for a spot in the playoffs. Keys to achieving those goals include hard work throughout the summer, smart players willing to be coached, a dedicated coaching staff, community support, servant leadership, love and respect for the game, faith, and humility.”
2021 Record: 1-8 / Heart of America Head Coach: Brent Schneider (4th year, 7-10; 9th overall, 27-56) Assistants: Jaret Wohler, Jake Hammer, Andy Ball Offense: Flexbone Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Braxton Lindon, Sr.; Ian Yancey, Sr.; Gabe Riffel, Jr.; Carson Gray, Jr.; Colby Beagley, Jr.; Isaac Briar, Jr.; Adam Schweizer, Jr.; Zeke Johnson, Jr.; Dominic Moncada, Jr.; Dillan Burgess, So.; Teyton Savage, So.
Passing: None Receiving: Bentley Montgomery, 5 rec., 86 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Bentley Montgomery, 92 tkls.; Eli Franklin, 70 tkls.; Luke Franklin, 61 tkls.
Sacks: Eli Franklin, 2 sacks Interceptions: Bentley Montgomery, Jason Desbien, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have multiple starters back that will have to lead this team. How we fill the spots lost to graduation will decide how far we can go in 1A.”
Office:
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Christian Brown Passing: Corey Crumrine Receiving: Jeff Nold Tackles: Koen Werner Sacks: N/A Ints.: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to win our district and win a playoff game. The early part of the schedule will really show us where we are at for 2022. We will continue to try and play most of our players one way and keep more players involved in the games. Playing rivals Hutch-Trinity and Inman to start the season is exciting, but a huge undertaking for a young Cardinal team.”
Notes: The Black Bears lost their first eight games of last season before letting out their frustrations on Bluestem in a 64-6 blowout. The schedule got progressively more manageable as the season went along and Sterling was more competitive in the final four losses. Now the Black Bears drop to 1A and enter one of the tougher districts in the classification with favorites Inman and Conway Springs and a more experienced Hutch-Trinity squad.
Notes: Dwight Green is back for his second season as head coach of the Bulldogs and welcomes back nine experienced players to help improve on last year’s one win. The Bulldog offense will go through junior quarterback Jay Gould after he produced almost 3,000 yards of offense as the starter in his first two seasons of high school football. Kaidin Upson and Roy Aguilar are back after earning all-league honors for their work in the trenches last fall. The Bulldogs opened last season with a 34-7 win over Sublette followed by narrow losses to Elkhart (14-13) and Stanton County (6-0). The next four contests were blowout losses before a Week 8 shootout with Southwestern Heights ended in a 41-35 loss. After playing in 2A in 2021 the Bulldogs are now in 1A where they’ll play in District 8 with Ellis, Stanton County, and district favorites Oakley and Plainville.
2021 Record: 11-1 / Heart of America League Head Coach: Jeff Werner (16th year, 118-39) Assistants: Doug Mabry, Tim Hendrickson, Ethan Reichman, Joey McDowell Offense: Spread No Huddle Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Westyn Anderson, WR/CB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Christian Brown, RB/LB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Jeff Nold, WR/DB, 6-2, 160, Jr.; Kaden Tiede, RB/ NG, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Jase Helstrom, OL/NG, 6-0, 255, Sr.; Matt Vinroe, OL/DE, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Koen Werner, OL/LB, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Jackson Scarlett, WR/DB, 6-1, 155, Jr.; Peyton Reed OL/DE, 6-0, 240, So.; Corey Crumrine, QB/DB, 5-8, 150, So.; Corey Culp, OL/DE, 6-2, 175, So.
RICHMOND-CENTRAL HEIGHTS SALINA-SACRED HEART SEDGWICK SMITH CENTER
Notes: If 10th year coach Derek Jasper can find a replacement for graduated QB Camden Anderson it could be a very good season for the men of Troy. Defense may carry the Trojans early as nine starters return led by talented linebacker Jerrit Norris (102 tackles), sack master Preston Christenson at D-end (seven sacks), and ballhawking Boden Benitz at D-back (five interceptions). Four offensive linemen return to help protect new quarterback Reagan Hartman and Norris and Benitz provide a pair of top targets in the passing game. Troy’s district is no cake walk with the Trojans likely challenging Centralia and Jackson Heights for the District 4 title. (785) 282-6658 Cell: (785) 282-0271 KS OLIVER, CSR 278-2244 Sterling, Ks. 384-7421
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ST. MARYS
Head Coach: Jeremy Hopkins (1st year) Assistants: Ryan Offense:KrajicekN/ADefense: N/A Returning starters: Adrian Panuco, OL/LB, Sr.; Riddick Goss, OL, Sr.; Orlando Torres, OL, Sr.; Andry Marshall, OL, Jr.; Cooper Ivey, OL, Jr.; Evan Bogart, QB, Jr.; Leon Rowe, DL/LB, So.
Assistants: Mike Rogers, Brock Hutchinson, Shawn Stansbury, Matt Haack, Matt Seeman, Alex Hobelmann
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Isaac Briar, 17 rec., 347 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Gabe Riffel, 67 tkls. Sacks: Carson Gray, 2 sacks Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team will be led by our two seniors; Braxton Linden and Ian Yancey. A major strength of our team will be our offensive line, which will be made up of juniors. Gabe Riffel played fullback for us last year but will move to offensive tackle. He will pair up with Carson Gray who is a two-year starter at guard. Those two create a formidable side of the line. Colby Beagley will be our anchor at center and brings starting experience from this past season. We have a very talented freshman class, led by Zane Farney. He will slide into our fullback and safety position. Our freshmen will immediately fill many spots and help strengthen our skills positions and defense, allowing us to play faster this year.”
SYRACUSE TROY 2021 Record: 5-5 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Derek Jasper (10th year, 59-36) Assistants: Andrew Dominguez, Heath Whetstine Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Austin Grable, WR/DB, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Boden Benitz, WR/DB, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Reagan Hartman, LB, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Preston Christenson, RB/DE, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Jerrit Norris, WR/LB, 6-4, 187, Sr.; Pierce Keller, OL, 5-8, 203, Sr.; Kemper Clary, OL/DL, 6-0, 198, Sr.; Jack Hartman, DL, 6-3, 181, So.; Abram Houghton, OL/DL, 5-11, 245, Sr.; Brogan Morris, OL, 6-5, 181, Jr.; Seth Judd, DB, 5-8, 144, Jr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 119
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Bentley Montgomery, 87 car., 769 yds., 13 TDs; Luke Franklin, 123 car., 704 yds., 15 TDs
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jack Hartman, 7 car., 48 yds. Passing: Reagan Hartman, 8-14, 67 yds. Receiving: Jerrit Norris, 51 rec., 756 yds., 8 TDs Tackles: Jerrit Norris, 102 tkls. Sacks: Preston Christenson, 7 sacks Ints.: Boden Benitz, 5 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to have a winning record and advance a step further in the playoffs to at least make the final eight. Keys to success are the play of our first-year varsity QB, the ability to run the ball with some success, and improvement at stopping the run.”
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SYRACUSE, KS Good Luck Bulldogs!
Notes: The Redmen lost a heartbreaker to Sedgwick in the quarterfinals to finish a second consecutive season with two losses, but eight starters return to try and get SC back to the title game after a two-year hiatus. Coach Darren Sasse enters his 10th year as the head coach of his alma mater and welcomes the return of his son, senior fullback and linebacker Jake Sasse, who missed all of last season to injury. Together with senior Bentley Montgomery and junior Luke Franklin the backfield should be fully loaded. Sasse will also help to stiffen a defense that welcomes back top tacklers Bentley Montgomery and Eli Franklin. SC will be heavy-favorites in District 5.
2021 Record: 5-4 / Mid-East League Head Coach: Kyle Schenk (3rd year, 8-10) Assistants: Troy Biladeau, Mark O’Halloran Offense: Multiple Defense: Odd Returning starters: Keller Huria, QB/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; James Rezac, RB/LB, 6-1, 205, Sr.; Abe Huaracha, TE/LB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Josh Deiter, OL/DL, 6-0, 225, Sr.; Kason Gomez, WR/LB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Atticus Martin, OL/DL, 6-1, 235, Jr.; Nate Hutley, RB/ DB, 5-11, 175, Jr.
2021 Record: 9-2 / Mid-Continent League Head Coach: Darren Sasse (10th year, 86-19)
66967 GREG & TAMRA FRANK TRACI
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Keller Hurla, 490 yds., 11 TDs Passing: Keller Huria, 1,581 yds., 15 TDs Receiving: Kason Gomez, 286 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Abe Huaracha, 57 tkls. Sacks: Atticus Martin, 3.5 sacks Interceptions: Abe Huaracha, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The goal for this year is to play fast, physical, and efficient. To be successful we need our senior players to lead.”
Notes: After two seasons with Shane Richards at the helm the Knights now look to Jeremy Hopkins to turn around the struggling team’s fortunes. Hopkins inherits a once-proud program now mired in a 12-game losing streak. Outside of a Week 2 35-14 loss to rival Ell-Saline and mid-season 9-6 and 50-34 losses to Ellinwood and Wichita Independent respectively – the former a double overtime affair –the Knights were shutout six times and gave up at least 31 points in all but one contest. The Knights last posted a winning record in 2013. But seven players with starting experience are back to end the losing streak and help Hopkins return the Knights to football royalty. Sacred Heart did get a boost in the offseason when Concordia junior Cameron Cleveland transferred in and can play immediately for the Knights this fall. Clevland was the Panthers’ leading tackler last fall and earned All-NCKL and All-State honors after making 120 stops for the 8-3 quarterfinalists.
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Offense: Pistol Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Zach Frank, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Eli Oliver, WR/DB, 6-2, 160, Sr.; Logan Clark, WR/DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Miguel Hernandez, WR, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Alex Beggs, OL/DL, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Tate Deever, OL/LB, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Maverick Havenstein, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Jacob Meseke, OL, 6-2, 270, Sr.; Ryan Schutter, DL, 6-4, 165, Sr.; Lanson Parry, DL, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Bryton Reves, LB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Wyatt Wurtz, DB, 6-0, 170, Jr.
2021 Record: 4-5 / Big 7 League Head Coach: Bryce Paden (4th year, 11-16) Assts.: Matt McFarland, Tristan Allen, Ray Munger Offense: Spread Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Ryder Davis, WR/DB, 5-8, 145, Jr.; Percy Duncan, RB/TE/LB, 6-1, 230, Jr.; Caylub Irby-Tyler, WR/LB, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Ben Trueblood, OL/ DL, 5-9, 265, Sr.; Todrick Duncan, OL/LB, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Darrion Hernandez, DB, 5-7, 135, So.
Offense: Option Defense: 3-3-5 Returning starters: Kole Klaassen, RB/LB, 6-0, 180, So.; Sam Entz, TE/LB, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Angel Lopez, OL/DL, 6-3, 290, Sr.; Rodolfo Vargas, OL/DL, 6-0, 275, Sr.; Carson Jarvis, LB, 5-9, 170, Jr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 120 UNIONTOWN VALLEY FALLS WABAUNSEE WATHENA-RIVERSIDE 2021 Record: 3-6 / Three Rivers League Head Coach: Zach Mason (1st year) Assistants: Tim Endicott, Nick Sprague, Trenton Miller Offense: Spread Single Wing Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Treden Buckman, RB/LB, 5-7, 175, Sr.; Andrew Buckman, QB/DB, 5-8, 190, Jr.; Joey Marlow, RB/LB, 5-9, 175, Jr.; Matt Poyner, FB/ LB, 5-9, 165, So.; Bryon Fry, OL/LB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Brycen Stewart, OL/LB, 6-2, 175, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Percy Duncan, 25 rec., 409 yds.; Ryder Davis, 34 rec, 339 yds. Tackles: Todrick Duncan, 114 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to go .500 on the season and to get to the playoffs. To be successful we need quick adjustments from our underclassmen, leadership from our few returning starters, and cutting mental mistakes.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Zach Frank, 63 car., 473 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Wyatt Wurtz, 11-18, 92 yds. Receiving: Eli Oliver, 34 rec., 516 yds., 12 TDs Tackles: Bryton Reves, 95 tkls.; Maverick Havenstein, 85 tkls. Sacks: Maverick Havenstein, 4 sack Interceptions: Eli Oliver, Logan Clark, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The strength of the team is that we have a lot of players that have either started multiple years for us, or have played significant minutes. The key will be to make sure we are pushing everyone to be better than they were last year and to keep the depth chart deep to have options. The weakness of the team would be that we did lose four guys who all collected multiple postseason accolades last fall, and replacing that type of production is never easy. However, a lot of the guys that are battling for those spots have already seen the field and should be ready for a heavier load.”
Notes: The Cyclones went 1-8 last fall but were incredibly competitive in three of the eight losses. The season started with a Week 1 heartbreaker to Royal Valley (16-13) before a stretch of three straight blowout losses. In Week 5 the Cyclones lost to Republic County by just 10-points, 16-6. In Week 8 RHS fell to Maur Hill by three, 24-21, before closing out the season on a high note, with a 34-14 win over McLouth. The graduation of Kobe Davis leaves the Cyclones with a glaring hole at quarterback and in the defensive backfield, but Percy Duncan and Ryder Davis provide a pair of quality offensive weapons while linebacker Toddrick Duncan is one of the league’s top defenders. The move to Class 1A finds the Cyclones playing in one of the tougher districts in the classification with Centralia, Jackson Heights, and Troy fielding quality teams and Onaga moving up from 8-Man play with a quarterback entering his fourth year as a starter. Head coach Bryce Paden will try to recreate the magic of four years ago that saw him go 6-3 in his first season on the job.
WHITEWATER-REMINGTON WINCHESTER-JEFFERSON COUNTY NORTH 2021 Record: 5-4 / Heart of America League Head Coach: Simon McKee (5th year, 13-24) Assistants: Ethan Rodenberg, Lee Elder, Roger Fultz
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Kole Klaassen, 93 car., 536 yds., 4 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Sam Entz, 15 rec., 333 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Carson Jarvis, 66 tkls. Sacks: Carson Jarvis, 4 sacks Interceptions: Sam Entz, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The Broncos graduated eigh seniors from last years’ team that went 5-4, the first winning season for Remington High School in 10 years. This year’s team will be young, and for the most part inexperienced. The Broncos will also struggle with depth. The strength of this team will be on the front lines. Angel Lopez, Rodolfo Vargas, and Steve Entz are three senior down-lineman that have size, strength and quickness. The Broncos also have some experience at tight end, with seniors Sam Entz and Rhett Boughfman. Entz has had 31 receptions, 642 yards, and 11 TDs in his sophomore and junior seasons. Remington also has a young up and comer on both sides of the ball in Kole Klaassen, who accounted for 42 tackles, five tackles for loss, three sacks, an interception, forced fumble, and fumble recovery on defense, and 536 yards rushing and four TDs on 93 carries. He also caught the ball eight times for 82 yards.” Notes: Simone McKee continued his five-year building project at Remington by leading the Broncos to their first winning season in 10 years. He graduated significant talent and experience from that squad. RHS will face a 1A District 6 with favorites Sedgwick and Marion but the third spot in the district is likely up for grabs with Belle Plaine, Bluestem, and the Broncos all in contention.
2021 Record: 7-3 / Independent Head Coach: Jess Rutledge (5th year, 13-25) Assts.: Garrett Eck, Trevor Keller, Mitchell Wertzberger
2021 Record: 7-3 / Northeast Kansas League Jeff Schneider (8th year, 45-24) Assistants: James Tweed, Cory Noll Offense: Spread Defense: 4-2-5 Returning starters: Jacob Carlson, LB, Sr.; Elijah Huff, OL/DL, Jr.; Cameron Seever, WR/DB, Jr.; Zacary Toole, OL/DL, Jr.; RB Tweed, OL/DL, Jr.; Brayden WIlliams, OL/DL, Jr.; Connor Keirns, RB/ DB, Jr.; Calvin Manville, WR/DB, Jr.; Brecen Drury, LB, Jr.; Andrew Baker, TE/DE, So.; Abraham Noll, OL/DL, So.; Blake Fowler, QB/CB, Sr.
Notes: The Chargers quietly put together an outstanding season last fall, posting seven wins for the second consecutive year and getting quality victories over Wabaunsee (30-11), Troy (22-12), and Jackson Heights (8-7) in the final three weeks of the regular season before dominanting Troy in a rematch in the playoffs (48-8). The Chargers fell to Olpe in the quarterfinals 28-0 and outside of that loss to the two-time defending 1A Champs JCN suffered a twopoint loss to Pleasant Ridge in the season opener and a 20-6 loss to perennial 1A power Centralia in Week 5. Eighth-year coach Jeff Schneider graduates some very good players from that squad with big tight end and defensive end Ryan Feldkamp and skill players Caleb and Karson Worthington among them. Fortunately for Schneider he returns a multi-season starter at QB in Blake Fowler and he’ll have receiver Grady Noll to target in the passing game. Five experienced O-linemen return to help protect new weapons, but the Chargers will need to develop a new group of linebackers and defensive backs. JCN will play in 1A District 3 this fall where they’ll welcome in a very good St. Marys squad, but the second spot in the district appears up for grabs with the Chargers and Mission Valley the likely contenders.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Treden Buckman, 200 car., 903 yds., 8 TDs Passing: Andrew Buckman, 19-59, 239 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Joey Marlow, 4 rec., 68 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Matt Poyner, 48 tkls. Sacks: Brycen Stewart, 2 sacks Ints.: Andrew Buckman, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Coming into the year I feel I am in as good of a situation as a new coach would want to be in. There were only three to four seniors on the team last year, so there are a lot of kids with experience returning. Due to some quarantines last year there is also some experience with kids that had to step up when their name was called. In that experience came some tough games last year. Losing by one, and losing a couple games that they feel got away from them is going to help the drive for them to get better.”
Notes: After three seasons John Stark is off to a job in Missouri and Zach Mason takes over a team with some talented returners. Senior running back Treden Buckman returns after rushing for at least 800 yards the past two seasons, while sophomore linebacker Matt Poyner is back after tallying 48 tackles last fall. Junior Andrew Buckman returns at quarterback and in the defensive backfield, where he grabbed two interceptions a season ago. St. Mary’s-Colgan is the heavy-favorite in 1A District 1, but the rest of the district appears wide-open with Uniontown well-equipped to battle Northeast-Arma, Southeast-Cherokee, and Erie for second place. Key to the Eagles success will be development along the front lines and replacing all-league selections Luke Perry (tight end), Korbin Miller (OL/DL), Brycen Stewart (linebacker), and Ian McClure (defensive back). UHS was just 3-6 last fall but lost close games with Southeast (22-7), Wabaunsee (17-6), Central Heights (19-18), and Troy (22-14).
Notes: Wabaunsee posted their first winning season in 24 years last fall and Jess Rutledge continued his four-year building project improving from just one win in each of his first two seasons, to a 4-6 record in 2020 and a 7-3 finish last fall. The Chargers enter 2022 with extreme optimism with nearly 40 players expected out for football and a load of talented returners who could be on a path to deliver the best season in program history. The most glaring hole is that of graduated QB Cade Oliver, now at Washburn, but Wyatt Wurtz and Eli Oliver both appear capable of the job. WHS opens with a good Troy team and faces state power Smith Center in the district opener.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Blake Fowler, 865 yds. Passing: Blake Fowler, 600 yds. Receiving: Grady Noll, 300 yds. Tackles: Ethan Noll Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2021 season: “We return a lot of lettermen from last year’s team that will be upperclassmen this season. Our success will be determined by their growth. I think this team has good potential if they can come together.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Dylan Cervantez, 107 car., 627 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Dylan Cervantez, 56-119, 607 yds., 7 TDs Receiving: Zac Evans, 8 rec., 172 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Solomon Drinkard, 98 tkls. Sacks: Solomon Drinkard, 6.5 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2021 season: “We are entering back into 11-Man for the first time since the 2015 season. We are excited to have closer-to-home games, as well as compete with a league schedule again. We graduated a group of seven seniors, one of which was an 8-Man All-Star, and the others were most of our size and depth on the line. We will be a young group with only three offensive starters and four defensive starters returning. Although young, we will have some big football guys that are faster and more athletic than we’ve had. Dylan Cervantez is our lone captain, and senior, returning. He is also our leading rusher and passer from last year, and was a Sharp Performance Top Prospect this summer. Expect him to have an outstanding senior year. In going to 11-Man, Zac Evans will be able to make the full-time move to outside. He’s our leading receiver coming back, and will only elevate those numbers with all of the speed that he has. Solomon Drinkard will be another player to watch for. He led us in all categories defensively last season as a sophomore defensive end.”
2021 Record: 4-5 / Northeast Kansas League Head Coach: Wyatt Hofstra (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Jeff Hale Offense: Power Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Dylan Cervantez, QB/DB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Zac Evans, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Solomon Drinkard, FB/TE/DE, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Hayden Kearney, WR/DB, 5-5, 130, So.
Notes: After six seasons of 8-Man football the Dragons return to 11-Man and Class 1A. Secondyear head coach Wyatt Hofstra doesn’t return significant experience from a year ago but does welcome back some very talented players in quarterback Dylan Cervantez, receiver Zac Evans, and top defensive player Solomon Drinkard. The Dragons are in one of the tougher districts in 1A with St. Marys and Jeff County North the likely District 3 favorites.
5.
CLINTCOACH,KUHNS KANSAS PREGAME 8-MAN I PRESEASON RANKINGS 1.
2.
In his only season as head coach Bryan Luetters led Meade to an undefeated 8-Man I title last fall. (Photo: Everett Royer/KSportsImages.com)
4.
8-MAN I
Hoxie will need to find a replacement for quarterback Ashton Dowell and La Crosse has to replace running back Colby Stull to continue as factors in the postseason.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 121 8-Man I after a 6-4 finish in their final season of 11-Man. All-State junior running back Jalen Massey rushed for 789 yards and 7 TDs last season, while All-State senior Evan Feuerborn had 414 re ceiving yards to go with junior Ethan Ramey’s 348. Junior linemen Kaedin Massey and Caleb Anschutz give the Tigers a good start up front, and Massey’s rangy 6-8 frame is also an asset along the defensive line. Another successful 1A team, Ell-Saline also makes the switch to 8-Man this season, the first time back in the classification for the Cardinals since the mid-1990s. ESHS return nine guys from
Trego enjoyed their best season in years and gone are stand outs Charlie Russell and Cole Feldt, but heady quarterback Owen Day and speed merchant James Kreigh give the Eagles a pair of quality offense threats, while Day doubles as one of the top linebackers in all of 8-Man football.
Others:
last season’s 4-6 1A squad, but have to replace three All-State players in receiver Taegan Bradley, O-lineman Jonathon CalzadaVilla, and linebacker Kayden Goddard. Senior QB Kade Wilson is coming off a seven TD pass season and will have a number of options to distribute to, including senior running back Obed Ruiz and junior receiver Joe Heichel, who both showed the ability to produce last season. Burlingame got off to a slow start last season with a Week 1 cancellation against Madison, and then a 1-2 mark over their next three games. From there Jeff Slater’s squad righted the ship, finishing out 6-3 after a sec ond round playoff loss to Little River 42-26. All-State senior QB Colby Middleton returns after gaining 1,841 yards on the ground and in the air with 33 TDs. Defensively, Dane Winters returns after posting 76 tackles a season ago and senior defen sive back Matthew Heckman – one of the state’s top high jumpers – returns to challenge opposing receivers. Goessel has to replace the impact of All-State selections Caiden Duerksen and Logan Stark, but the All-State backfield duo of Jake Wiens and Grant Bryant give the Bluebirds reason to expect another big season after finishing 8-3 last year. Hill City was 10-2 last season after their 48-34 semifinal loss to Meade and return one of the best players in the classification with All-State junior QB Aiden Amrein, who gained 3,247 yards with his arm and legs in 2021, accounting for a whopping 56 TDs.
By Keegan McCullick & John Baetz, Kansas Pregame After just a year as a head coach and an immediate 8-Man I title, Meade’s Bryan Luetters accepted the head coaching position at Liberal. New head coach Clint Kuhns has the task of replacing substantial talent, including 8-Man I Defensive Player of the Year Korben Clawson. All-State senior linebacker Brayden Norris (128 tackles), junior linebacker Brock Keith (98 tackles, 3 INTs), and senior defensive back Grayden Stapleton (96 tackles, 4 INTs) give Meade a strong trio of defencers back in their 3-3 stack. All-State lineman Brady Papay will anchor both the offensive and defensive lines, while Keith and Stapleton give the Buffalos next QB a receiver duo that produced over 1,200 yards of production. Meade isn’t without questions, but they very well could have the necessary answers for a repeat showing in 2022. Little River’s only loss came against Meade in the State Title game 22-14, leaving them just one game shy of making it backto-back championships after their 2020 title. If head coach Kevin Ayers is able to find a solution for the loss of all three All-State linemen from last year’s roster then his squad will be in an ex cellent position to take another shot at the title in 2022. All-State senior running back Braxton Lafferty is one of the most dynam ic offensive threats in 8-Man after gaining 1,435 yards rushing, 311 yards receiving and 358 yards passing for 39 total TDs last fall. All-State QB Rylan Konen also returns after rushing for 906 yards and passing for another 890 with 34 TDs as a dual-threat. In all, just 43 yards of offensive production graduated last season. Defensively, Laffery and fellow senior Grant Stephens were AllState linebackers and are joined in the back half of the defense by All-State senior defensive back Braden Young, who should keep opposing QBs on their toes after intercepting six passes last year. Clifton-Clyde finished 7-2 last year with losses against power houses Little River and Canton-Galva. Senior defensive end Seth LeClair, junior linebacker Trent Long, and defensive back Maison Slater give head coach Russ Steinbrock three All-State defenders to build around. Replacing All-State QB Jett Skocny is likely to be the biggest challenge personnel-wise. Senior Colby Garrison, ju nior Payton Fahey, Long, and Slater give whoever ends up as the signal caller three experienced outlets, while LeClair and senior Kansas Damman provide experience on the line. Chase County was knocked out in the second round of the playoffs last season and ended with an 8-2 mark. From that team the Bulldogs return all four All-State recipients, including senior QB Mitch Budke, who rushed for 1,975 yards and 40 TDs to go with 579 passing yards with nine more scores. All-State senior Cal Kohlmeier also returns after gaining nearly 700 yards receiving and rushing. Senior Gavin Francis was All-State on the O-line, while linebackers Budke and junior Brock Griffin also received postseason nods defensively. Nine returning starters in all give the Bulldogs a team with the ability to make a deep postseason run.After years of success in 1A, Lyndon is making the switch to “We truly have large shoes to fill coming off a State Championship season. We graduated some very talented and awesome young men, as well as lost a great coach.”MEADE Little River Clifton-Clyde Chase County Meade Hill City Burlingame, Ell-Saline, Goessel, Hoxie, La Crosse, Lyndon, Madison, Trego, Wichita Co.
A healthy Ryan Kuckelman gives Macksville a chance to im prove on their 5-5 record of a year ago. The newly formed South Sumner Outlaws (Caldwell and South Haven) should be an immediate factor in the 8-Man I race thanks in large part to the return of dual-threat quarterback Keiondre Smith.Anexperienced Rawlins County team may also have what it takes to make some noise this fall.
Wichita County’s Ehrik Hermosillo is another QB with the ar gument of being the top signal caller in 8-Man I after throwing for 1,771 yards and 24 TDs and rushing for another 1,450 and 25 scores, leading the Indians to a 6-3 mark. A year more ex perience around him should move Wichita County back into the State Championship picture, though replacing All-State graduates Thirsten Porter, Romeo Terriquez, and Xavier Hernandez does pose a challenge.
However, head coach Travis Desbien has the challenge of replac ing seven key players lost to graduation. If the sixth-year coach figures that out, his team should be back in the playoff mix.
3.
2021 Record: 6-3 / Heart of America League Head Coach: Bryan Shamburg (3rd year, 8-10) Assistants: Jacob Ryan, Tracy Piepho, Avery Kidd
Notes: After six seasons Matt Smith is off to an administration job at Trego and Aaron Sramek takes over. He inherits an experienced and talented roster that appears prepared to battle Hill City and Hoxie for the top spot in District 6.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Drew Withington, 109 car., 812 yds., 14 TDs; Ryan Sramek, 57 car., 406 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Drew Withington, 42-92, 744 yds., 6 TDs Receiving: Brandon Chvatal, 20 rec., 403 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Jayden Reed, 115 tkls.; Brandon Chvatal, 64 tkls Sacks: Josh Popp, 6 sacks; Brandon Chvatal, 5 sacks Interceptions: Brayan Rodriguez, 3 INTs; Ryan Sramek, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal for this year is to be fully prepared and ready to compete every time we step on the field against all opponents, no matter who they are. With hard work, discipline, and the will to compete, I believe we have the talent that will give us a chance to win every game. The key to our success in 2022 will be to utilize our returning experienced team leadership to build a foundation of work ethic and pride. This foundation will allow us to build a tradition of playing great football into late November.”
2021 Record: 8-2 / South Central Border League Head Coach: Luke Greenwood (11th year, 71-23)
2021 Record: 4-6 / Heart of America League Head Coach: Joe Roche (3rd year, 8-12) Assistants: John Ludes, Brandon Toll, Dakota Came Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Kade Wilson, QB/LB, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Obed Ruiz, RB/DL, 5-6, 170, Sr.; Marshall Johnson, QB/WR/DB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Ryder Dent, RB/LB, 5-11, 170 Jr.; Mason Ellerman, TE/DE, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Joe Heichel, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Hunter Holmgren, WR/DB, 5-6, 140, Jr.; Nick Walker, OL/DL, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Melvin Lutes, WR/LB, 5-11, 160, So.
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Offense: Spread Defense: 3-5 Returning lettermen: 13 Returning starters: Jaden Raccagno, RB/S, 5-5, 109, Sr.; Jace Ohlson, TE/S, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Easton Pickering, C/DL, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Payge Rodenbeek, S, 5-10, 145, So.
Notes: For the first time since the early 1990s Ell-Saline will play 8-Man football. The Cardinals won the 1989 8-Man I title and return an experienced roster to smooth the transition back to 8-Man this fall.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Colby Middleton, 163 car., 1,171 yds., 23 TDs Passing: Colby Middleton, 59-90, 670 yds., 10 TDs Receiving: Matthew Heckman, 12 rec., 192 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Dane Winters, 76 tkls. Sacks: Timmy Roberts, 1.5 sacks Interceptions: Matthew Heckman, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will have a lot of young new faces on the field this season, but I look for the impact of those players to still be significant. Players will move to two-way roles this year which will be a big step for some individuals, as we need to develop our depth early in the season.
Notes: After eight years at Central-Burden, Raider head coach Anthony Blair has moved to Osborne where he will join Steve Tiernan’s staff as an assistant. Jeff Savage enters the second stint leading a program he was the head coach of from 2009 to 2011 and enters his 41st season as a head coach after wrapping up a two-year stretch at Quinter. Savage – who was 23-9 in his three years leading the Raiders – inherits a team with great talent but not much depth. Junior quarterback Jace Wunderlich could thrive in Savage’s wide-open offense after he combined to rush and pass for almost 1,400 yards with 26 touchdowns last season as a sophomore. He is also the team’s top returner on defense where he tallied 91 tackles last season. Bradan Balman returns for his senior season after rushing for over 700 yards last fall and he’ll also serve as a key defensive player after leading the team with three interceptions a year ago. Three experienced offensive linemen return including center Hunter O’Neil, and guards Boston Norris and Kaden Miller.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 122 Bulldog Supply 210 N Main. • Attica, KS 620-254-7540 HARDWARE • LUMBER • OILFIELD SUPPLIES ATTICA/ARGONIABURDEN-CENTRALATWOOD-RAWLINS COUNTY BENNINGTON BROOKVILLE-ELL-SALINE
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Bradan Balman, 93 car., 719 yds., 14 TDs; Jace Wunderlich, 73 car., 591 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Jace Wunderlich, 40-65, 806 yds., 17 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Jace Wunderlich, 91 tkls. Sacks: Kaden Miller, 4 sacks Interceptions: Bradan Balman, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team is young with one senior, and short on numbers. At camp we had just 10 kids and have recruited hard. Not sure how many we will have until day one. We are not a big team, but do have some juniors who have good potential. Jace Wunderlich is a dual-threat QB so our offense will be balanced. It will be interesting to see the level of commitment and if we stay healthy, we could have a pretty good team.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Obed Ruiz, 64 car., 240 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Kade Wilson, 77-140, 7 TDs Receiving: Joe Heichel, 16 rec., 284 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have a lot of experience returning from two years of a tough schedule. Kids are working really hard, so the expectations are high at Ell-Saline. Before we learned we were moving to 8-Man we had high expectations for 2022 so the move to 8-Man has had no impact on our goals. Our goals will be to continue to work hard together to win games and make a deep run in the playoffs. Learning the differences between 8- and 11-Man football will be key in developing an overall strategy. We have really good kids that have great chemistry so we are looking forward to the challenge of playing different teams in a different brand of football. Executing our offense, getting our good skill kids the ball in space, and protecting our QB will be major keys to our offense.”
BURLINGAME 2021 Record: 6-3 / Lyon County League Head Coach: Jeff Slater (9th year, 65-18) Assistants: Eric West, Austin Masters Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Colby Middleton, QB/LB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Matthew Heckman, WR/S, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Dane Winters, WR/C, 5-9, 155, So.; Parker Haid, C/DE, 6-2, 195, So.; Timmy Roberts, DE/TE, 5-8, 175, So.
Notes: After a Week 1 COVID cancellation robbed football fans of a highly anticipated matchup between the Bearcats and Madison, BHS got the season off on a low note with losses to Waverly and Clifton-Clyde in two of the first three contests. The Bearcats then reeled off five straight wins before giving eventual 8-Man I runner-up Little River a scare in a 42-26 second round playoff loss. Now coach Jeff Slater enters his ninth season at BHS with a few key pieces back to help continue a streak of eight straight winning seasons. Quarterback/linebacker Colby Middleton and wide receiver/defensive back Matthew Heckman should be among the top players in 8-Man I this fall. Heckman is a 6-10 high jumper and Middleton established a weight class school record in the hang clean (275) and was a state qualifier in the shot put. Middleton piled up almost 1,900 yards of combined rushing and passing last fall with 33 combined touchdowns. Heckman caught three of Middleton’s 10 touchdown passes last fall – but is expected to play a bigger role in the offense this year – and grabbed three interceptions in the defensive backfield. The Bearcats will need three other returning seniors to take on bigger roles this fall and three returning sophomore starters need to develop over the course of the season to help Burlingame compete in a brutal district with Madison, Chase County, and former 11-Man power Lyndon looking like contenders. Cair Paravel is also in the district and joins KSHSAA sanctioned play this season after an undefeated 2021 in the Kansas Christian Atheltic Association, including a dominant 60-6 win over Maranatha Academy, who rounds out the District 2 slate.or Carryout
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jaden Raccagno, 110 car., 793 yds., 13 TDs Passing: None Receiving: N/A Tackles: Jace Ohlson, 68 tkls. Sacks: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will have a young team this year with tons of talent. We are returning both our leading rusher and tackler. Expect to see sophomore Kian Wilson starting at QB this fall with Gabe Davidson joining Jaden in the backfield. We will be looking for a lot of young men to fill a lot of spots on both sides of the ball and look forward to watching them grow into their new roles. We have lots of speed on this team and look forward to getting them into space and watching them thrive. This team is so full of talent and has the potential to do something special this year.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Conner Harnden, 27 rec., 542 yds., 10 TDs Tackles: Wyatt Peterson, 88 tkls. Sacks: Brady Roblin, 3 sacks Ints.: Dalton Morrison, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We should have good team speed. Defensively we return four starters. Still lack team size. Will have to replace three graduating lineman and two leaders in the offensive and defensive backfields. We look to be competitive in our district and hopefully earn a playoff spot.” Notes: Graduation hits the Titans hard wiping out the offensive line and taking standout dual-threat quarterback Xander Newberry and athlete Adam Blanchett. Top defensive lineman Seth Drouhard is also gone to graduation, but a pair of quality defensive backs return in Conner Harnden and Dalton Morrison, while Wyatt Peterson returns at one linebacker spot after recording 88 tackles a season ago. Harnden will be looked to for more offensive production this fall after he caught 27 passes with 542 yards and 10 touchdowns a season ago. He could move to a different role within the offense. Brady Roblin is back on the defensive line after posting three sacks a season ago and he’ll anchor the depleted offensive line this fall.
2021 Record: 5-4 / Lyon County League Head Coach: Jeff Savage (1st year; 41st overall) Assistants: Tyler Lampert Offense: Spread Defense: N/A Returning starters: Jace Wunderlich, QB/FS, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Bradan Balman, RB/LB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Hunter O’Neil, C/NG, 6-1, 210, Jr.; Boston Norris, OG/LB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Kaden Miller, OG/DE, 5-11, 165, Jr.
Notes: The Bulldogs graduated a strong group of seniors that helped the program improve from 2-7 in 2020 to 6-3 this fall. Third-year coach Bryan Shamburg must replace his quarterback, top receiving targets and most of the O-line, but Jaden Raccagno is back after rushing for almost 1,200 yards and 18 combined rushing touchdowns the past two seasons. Jace Ohlson is the top returning tackler after carding 68 stops as a sophomore last fall. In spite of the inexperience, Shamburg is optimistic.
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2021 Record: 4-5 / Northwest Kansas League Head Coach: Aaron Sramek (1st year) Assistants: Mike Lankas, Mathew Withington Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Drew Withington, QB/S, 6-3, 185, Sr.; Brandon Chvatal, TE/DE, 6-3, 190, Sr.; Brady Beckman, TE/LB, 6-3, 210 Sr.; Jayden Reed, RB/DB, 5-5, 145, Sr.; Josh Popp, TE/DE, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Will Brudenell, DL, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Pete Crouse, LB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Ryan Sramek RB/DB 5-9, 145, So.
Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Conner Harnden, ATH/DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Wyatt Peterson, RB/LB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Brady Roblin, OL/DL, 5-10, 210, Sr.; Dalton Morrison, TE/ LB, 6-0, 175, Jr.
CEDAR VALE/DEXTER
Notes: The Wildcats posted four wins last year, all by eight points or less, but their five losses were not nearly as close with all but one by at least 42 points. Now EHS makes the move to 8-Man and will play in a tough District 8 with last year’s DI Champs Meade and an experienced Wichita County team the likely favorites. Fortunately for fourth year Elkhart coach Jhon Haehn he enters his first year in 8-Man with a group of nine returning starters and 16 returning lettermen. The Wildcats play teams from Oklahoma and Colorado in two of the first three weeks. KS
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 123
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2021 Record: 0-8 / South Central Border League Head Coach: Luke Wachter (2nd year, 0-8)
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Notes: The Eagles opened the season with a dominant win over Onaga before falling to Little River in a 14-6 heartbreaker. After a Week 3 cancellation C-C ripped off six straight wins and appeared poised to challenge Canton-Galva in the second round of the playoffs, but C-G proved too much and outscored C-C 66-20. Gone to graduation are QB Jett Skoncy and athletes Tee Koch and James Norbert, but plenty of experience returns to help the Eagles make a playoff run this fall. Russ Steinbrock’s defense should be especially strong with All-State selections Seth LeClair (DE) and Maison Slater (DB, 12 INTs) leading the way. The offense will rely on three experienced rushers as a new QB develops behind a pair of experienced linemen. C-C are favorites in District 5 and have non-district tests with Hanover and Axtell.
Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning starters: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A
Tackles: Austin Rich, 70 Sacks: Lane Runkle, 4.5 Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will be senior heavy at most positions and have a lot of experience. We have experience and depth up front which should help us stay fresh. We lack some depth at our skill positions but our front-line kids should be very good. Our season is going to hinge on how fast we can transition to 8-Man and learn what we have to do to be successful. We will also need to stay healthy at our skill positions. I am expecting great things from Lane Runkle and Austin Rich. Both these guys were honorable mention All-State players for us and if they both have good years we should be very good on that side of the ball. Overall, we must grow as a team and develop chemistry and find the best way to put this team in a position to have success.”
COTTONWOOD FALLS-CHASE CO. 2021 Record: 8-2 / Flint Hills League Head Coach: Brody Vandegrift (7th year, 28-29) Assistants: Derick Budke, Brent Monihen Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Mitch Budke, QB/LB 5-10, 175, Sr.; Cal Kohlmeier, RB/DE 6-1, 190, Sr.; Brock Griffin, RB/LB 5-10, 170, Jr.; Gavin Francis, OL/DL, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Emilano Zuniga, C/DE, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Colin Monihen, TE/DB, 6-4, 160, Jr.; Dom Cauthers, S/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Micah Cauthers, TE/FS, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Tucker Groh, WR/C, 6-3, 160, Jr.
ELKHARTCLIFTON-CLYDE 2021 Record: 7-2 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Russ Steinbrock (22nd year, 137-71) Assistants: Ryan Baxter, Rocky Fahey Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Seth LeClair, OL/DE, 6-3, 225, Sr.; Maison Slater, WR/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Kansas Dammon, OL, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Colby Garrison, RB/WR/ DB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Trent Long, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Payton Fahey, RB/WR/DB, 5-8, 140, Jr.; Drayden Reed, WR/QB/DB, 6-2, 155, Jr.
Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Austin Rich, LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Lane Runkle, OL/DE, 6-4, 250, Jr.; Clayton Cole, QB/ DB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Max Gabino, OL/DL, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Clayson Nave, WR/DB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Weston Hall, OL/LB, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Brendan Rich, OL, 5-7, 175, Jr.; Murray Houtz, DB, 5-9, 160, So.; Braxon Nairn, DL, 6-0, 200, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Mitch Budke, 1,975 yds., 40 TDs; Cal Kohlmeier, 58 car., 515 yds., 9 TDs; Brock Griffin, 56 car., 417 yds., 11 TDs Passing: Mitch Budke, 26-46, 579 yds., 9 TDs Receiving: Cal Kohlmeier, 8 rec., 183 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Mitch Budke, 137 tkls.; Brock Griffin, 98 tkls. Sacks: Cal Kohlmeier, 6 sacks Ints.: Tucker Groh, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to compete every day. We will see new teams this year and we have to go out and compete our butts off. We would like to talk about playoffs, but we have to worry about day one. We have a lot of returning talent. We didn’t finish where we should have last year and we take that personally. We are going out with a chip on our shoulder and are ready to compete. We have to play as a team and we have to control the clock.”
2021 Record: 4-5 / Hi-Plains League Head Coach: Jhon Haehn (4th year, 13-14; 9th overall, 28-40) Assts.: Kason Siemens, Justin Collins
Notes: The Spartans and now second-year head coach Luke Wachter found a tough go of it last year finishing 0-8 with a Week 9 cancellation ending the season early. CV/D scored more than six points in just one game last season, a 28-point outburst in a Week 3 loss to Udall, 60-28. The Spartans were shutout four times a season ago and allowed at least 48 points in every contest. As the Spartans enter the 2022 season they do have the benefit of playing in a District 1 that saw teams graduate significant talent and experience. West Elk is the likely favorite while consistent winner Sedan saw their roster wiped out by graduation. Yates Center is coming off their best season in quite some time, but bid farewell to graduated standout Sean Hurst.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Payton Fahey, 47 car., 359 yds., 6 TDs; Trent Long, 46 car., 348 yds., 6 TDs; Colby Garrison, 30 car., 247 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Trent Long, 9-16, 84 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Maison Slater, 22 rec., 308 yds., 6TDs; Drayden Reed, 9 rec., 120 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Trent Long, 74 tkls.; Seth LeClair, 51 tkls. Sacks: Trent Long, 3 Ints.: Maison Slater, 12 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal for this season is to make a deep run into the playoffs and earn an opportunity to compete for a State Title. For the first time in a long time we open with three league schools. Hanover in Week 1, Blue Valley in Week 2, and then the defending DII State Champion, Axtell, before jumping into district play. We also have a new opponent to face in district play, Ell-Saline, as they are coming down from 11-Man.”
Assistants: N/A
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Clayton Cole, 91 car., 346 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Clayson Nave, 20 rec., 182 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Clayton Cole, 45-125, 656 yds., 7 TDs
Notes: The Bulldogs return the experience to continue the success that yielded consecutive eight-win seasons. The Bulldogs should again field an explosive offense after scoring at least 44 points in nine of 10 games last fall. QB/DB Mitch Budke and RB/DE Cal Kohlmeier will lead the way as multi-season senior starters, while junior Brock Griffin returns after earning postseason honors for his play at linebacker. The Bulldogs are in a brutal district with Burlingame, Madison, and former 11-Man power Lyndon all fielding talented squads. Five of Chase County’s nine returning starters are juniors. Chase County makes the long drive to Frankfort to open the season for a good non-district test.
Offense: Spread Defense: 2-4 Returning starters: Kaleb Atkins, RB/S, 5-7, 140, Sr.; Conner Dinkel, OL/LB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Aiden Amrein, QB/LB, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Jaden Nuss, RB/LB, 6-2, 175, Jr.
Notes: Seven returning starters are back to help veteran coach Chris Haag continue the success that led to eight wins last fall. Super-sophomore Creyo Koop is back after a stellar freshman season that saw him rush for 1,272 yards and 24 TDs while posting 66 tackles on defense. The Patriots will still be relatively young with two sophomores and two juniors among the returning starters. Haag’s squad will be the favorites in 8-Man I, District 1 with Sedan and Yates Center among the teams who graduated significant experience and talent from a season ago. C, 5-10, 300, Jr.; Jonathan Madera, LB, 5-9, 179, Jr.
Notes: The Mavericks got off to a slow start last fall losing the first four games of the year a combined 212-8. They rebounded with a 48-0 win over St. John in Week 5 and were competitive in a Week 6 loss to Skyline, 35-14. After two more blowout losses the Mavericks closed the season with a 10-point loss to Pretty Prairie in a 58-48 shootout. Coach Stephen Hokanson enters his fourth season at Kiowa County and welcomes back five experienced players, but just two of them are seniors.
Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Damion Woods, OG/DE, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Will Lingenfelser, TE/WR/LB/DB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Kwinton Barlow-McKenna, TE/FB/DE/LB, 5-8, 215, Jr.; Tyus Becker, RB/DB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Tristen Swarts, OG/DE, 6-1, 235, Jr.; Cameron Svitak, RB/ LB, 5-9, 165, So.; Kris Jones, TE/DE, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Peyton Taylor, C/DL, 5-10, 230, Jr.
2021 Record: 8-3 / Wheat State League Head Coach: Garrett Hiebert (12th year, 41-52) Assistants: Luke Freeman, Rick Freeman
2021 Record: 0-7 / Wheat State League Head Coach: Boyd Peterson (1st year) Assistants: Blake Homman, Matt Warta
HOWARD-WEST
2021
HERINGTON HILL CITY 2021 Record: 10-2 / Mid-Continent League Head Coach: Travis Desbien (6th year, 30-18)
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Notes: Veteran Hoxie coach Lance Baar’s first priority is to find a replacement for graduated standout quarterback Ashton Dowell, who threw for over 2,000 yards last fall with a whopping 34 touchdowns to only seven interceptions. He also added seven rushing touchdowns for the 6-4 Indians. Baar will have some assets returning though, including three of the top four receivers in seniors Brady Jones, Ryan Shaw, and Miles Baalman. The trio combined to catch 102 passes for 1,555 yards and 25 total touchdowns in 2021. Jones added 259 rushing yards on 33 carries and will be one of several players expected to carry a bigger load in the running game this fall. Baalman is the top returning defender after he posted 75 tackles with four sacks last fall and now has 143 tackles with nine sacks in the past two seasons. Jones and Shaw will patrol the back half of the defense after the pair combined for nine interceptions last season. Hoxie is expected to battle talented and experienced Hill City and AtwoodRawlins County squads for the 8-Man I District 6 title this fall. The Indians lost twice to the Ringnecks a season ago. Once in the regular season by 21 points and in the playoffs by 20. Hoxie beat Rawlins County soundly a year ago, 52-14 in Week 8.
Assistants: Craig Amrein, Vince Walker
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jake Wiens, 122 car., 1,227 yds., 20 TDs Grant Bryant, 136 car., 712 yds., 10 TDs; Kacen Smith, 54 car., 503 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Grant Bryant, 39-79, 542 yds., 12 TDs Receiving: N/A
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Cameron Svitak Passing: Justin Wilder Receiving: N/A Tackles: Cameron Svitak, Justin Wilder, Benson Eggleston, Tyus Becker, Will Lingenfelser Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to make the playoffs and make some noise. The keys to our success are resiliency and making smart decisions.”
Notes: After two seasons, Cade Albert was hired as the head coach at Ulysses and the Railers welcome former Fowler coach Boyd Peterson to the program. Peterson inherits a team with significant experience that was relatively competitive in four of the seven losses. The Railers scored 26, 24, 30, and 44 in four contests, but allowed at least 34 points in all seven games they played last year. While Peterson welcomes eight players with starting experience many of those players could move positions from last year. Big lineman Damion Woods returns after earning first team All-Wheat State League honors last season. Sophomore Cameron Svitak returns as the top rusher and one of the top tacklers as just a freshman last season. The Railers will play in 8-Man I District 4 this fall with heavy-favorites Little River and Goessel, but the remainder of the teams appearing balanced.
Offense:
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GREENSBURG-KIOWA COUNTY
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 124
Offense: Spread Misdirection Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Grant Bryant, QB/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Kacen Smith, RB/DB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Jake Wiens, RB/DB, 5-6, 160, Sr.; Caleb Burkholder, OL/LB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Kyle Valdois, OL, 5-8, 200, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brady Jones, 33 car., 259 yds. 4 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Brady Jones, 45 rec., 741 yds., 17 TDs; Ryan Shaw, 28 rec., 496 yds., 5 TDs; Miles Baalman, 29 rec., 318 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Miles Baalman, 75 tkls. Sacks: Miles Baalman, 4 sacks Interceptions: Brady Jones, 5 INTs; Ryan Shaw, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for the year are to show improvement on defense and in the run game, compete for a district championship, and make a long playoff run. Keys to success will be filling some major holes we lost due to graduation and finding our identity as a team.”
GOESSEL 2021 Record: 1-8 / SPIAA Head Coach: Stephen Hokanson (4th year, 9-18) Assistants: James Little, Dustin Chartier Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Boyd Lothman, Sr.; Kyler Sheldon, Sr.; Jason Brown, Jr.; Silas Hawkins, So.; Brock Hassiepen, Jr. Head coach’s outlook for the 2021 season: “We had five seniors graduate that we need to find replacements for. We are a young team and will be undersized in most of our games. We emphasize technique and aggressiveness. We prepare every week to beat our opponent.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Creyo Koop, 155 car., 1,272 yds., 24 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Jarrett Wilson, 4 rec., 61 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Creyo Koop, 66 tkls.; Maddex Moreno, 63 tkls.; Dustin Montgomery, 62 tkls. Sacks: Maddex Moreno, 3 Ints.: Dustin Montgomery, 3 Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We want to become the best football team that we can be. To do this, we must have great effort each and every day and strive to become a better football team each week. We want to create a family atmosphere in which guys will care about the success of the team over their own individual success. This will allow us to compete for a district championship and make a trip to the state playoffs.”
Receiving: Kaleb Atkins, 44 rec., 558 yds., 8 TDs
Tackles: Caleb Burkholder, 73 tkls. Sacks: Eli Boden, 2.5 sacks Ints.: Jake Wiens, 5 INTs; Grant Bryant, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2021 season: “In the past couple of years we have made significant strides in developing our program. Depth has been an important asset for us as our varsity starters have been nearly all juniors and seniors and we have been able to play a full JV schedule. We’re returning plenty of starting experience on both sides of the ball along with other kids who have played meaningful snaps on Friday nights. It will be important for our junior and senior classes to provide leadership and maturity to mentor our freshmen and sophomores. We would like to build off of our playoff experience from the past few seasons while also creating a unique identity for this year’s team as well. Finding the right combination of kids in the right spots to replace our graduating seniors is always an important early season task.”
Notes: If the Bluebirds can reload along the offensive and defensive fronts the skill players are there to fuel another successful season. Seniors Jake Wiens and Grant Bryant are multi-seasons starters that are among the best players in the classification. GHS could challenge Little River for the District 4 title.
Notes: The Ringnecks graduated a good group of seven seniors from last year’s Sub-State Runner-up team including standouts Derek Keith and Ayden Nickelson, but four key starters are back to help Hill City try to make another deep playoff run. ELK KendraPhone:Salyers-Barnes785-675-3661 Record: 8-2 / South Central Border League Head Coach: Chris Haag (22nd year, 105-95) Kevin Weber, Ian Denton I-formation Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Creyo Koop, RB/LB, 5-9, 170, So.; Tate Stewart, RB/CB, 5-7, 155, Sr.; Jarrett Wilson, WR, 6-2, 165, Sr.; Holton McLean, OL/DL, 6-2, 275, Jr.; Dustin Montgomery, DB, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Tyler Moore, OL, 5-11, 185, Jr.; Maddex Moreno, LB, 5-11, 170, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Aiden Amrein, 237 car., 1,558 yds., 24 TDs; Kaleb Atkins, 110 car., 834 yds., 10 TDs
Tackles: Conner Dinkel, 119 tkls.; Kaleb Atkins, 102 tkls. Sacks: Aiden Amrein, 3 sacks; Conner Dinkel, 2 sakcs Interceptions: Kaleb Atkins, 3 INTs; Aiden Amrein, 2 INTs
Assistants:
785-421-3691HillCityW.Hwy24
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We return four impact starters from last year who were crucial to our team success. We will be led by All-State junior dual-threat QB Aiden Amrein and dynamic senior RB/WR Kaleb Atkins. Atkins will split the RB load with junior Jaden Nuss. Look for senior Trent Long and sophomore Dayton Stephen to fill the receiving void left by the graduation of Derek Keith. The offensive line will be anchored another year by standout senior Conner Dinkel and joined by a couple fresh new faces. Defensively our 2-4 defense will look different up front with the graduation of the DL. The defense will be a lighter, but quicker group as a whole. Junior Jaden Nuss looks to build off his late season rise and sophomore Sylar Rohr will push for a starting position at LB next to the sure-tackling Dinkel.”
Passing: Aiden Amrein, 113-117, 1,689 yds., 32 TDs
Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Grant Stephens, LB/TE, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Braxton Lafferty, LB/RB/QB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Braden Young, DB/WR, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Rylan Konen, QB/DB, 6-1, 165, Sr.; Andrew Smith, TE/DB, 6-2, 175, Jr.
Notes: There’s good news and bad news for veteran coach Kevin Ayers as he heads into the 2022 season at Little River. The bad news? He graduated everyone from a big and physical offensive and defensive front. The good news? Ayers returns players that accounted for every passing yard, every rushing yard, and all but two receptions and 43 receiving yards from a year ago. Further, graduation claimed only one player who scored last season with all but 18 of the team’s 635 points back for 2022. Little River will be the heavy-favorites to win District 4 and games with Canton-Galva in Week 1 and Ell-Saline in Week 3 should help prepare LHS for the district slate. A Week 8 matchup with Goessel very well could be for the district championship. Douglas (5th year, 34-9) Haydon Parks, Bryce Nickelson Spread Defense: 3-3 starters: Erhik Hermosillo, QB/DB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Romeo Terriquez, WR/DB, 6-1, 175, Sr.; Cordell Brown, G/LB, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Isaiah Gerstberger, TE/KB, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Christopher Michel, G/DE, 6-2, 220, Sr.; Wyatt Gardner, WR, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Khris Hermosillo, DE, 5-7, 160, So.
Notes: After competitive season-opening losses to 8-Man powers Victoria and Hoxie the Leopards went on an eight-game win streak before closing the season with a 62-12 loss to Hill City in the 8-Man I quarterfinals. Now the Leopards enter their third season of 8-Man play with a couple of key holes to graduation, the most glaring of these the loss of standout running back Colby Stull. The four-year starter piled up 5,094 yards and 75 touchdowns in his career with the Leopards and 725 yards with 13 career receiving TDs. Veteran coach Jon Webster welcomes back six experienced starters to help offset Stull’s lost production. Junior QB Caden Morgan is back after combining for nearly 1,100 yards passing and rushing last fall, with 16 passing TDs and six rushing scores. Juniors Gage Burk and Devyn Braun will carry a bigger load rushing and receiving respectively. The defense will have to replace four of the top eight tacklers with leading tacklers Cooper Barriger and Deagan Andrews graduated.
Tackles: Caleb Dotterer, 88 tkls.; Noah Esposito, 63 tkls. Sacks: James Dickerman, Caleb Dotterer, 1.5 sacks ea. Interceptions: Caleb Dotterer, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Last year we had a lot of instability in our starting lineup, which led to struggles executing towards the end of the season. However, that issue led to a lot of guys getting varsity playing time. This should be a strength for us going forward. Our kids with size are another year older, and should move into the varsity lineups. Logan Meier and Caleb Dotterer are in year three as starters and should really start to become play-makers on offense for us behind a line that gains a lot of size. We are gaining a good group from the junior high level. If they buy-in to the weight room, they should push our upperclassmen for playing time.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Braxton Lafferty, 160 car., 1,435 yds., 25 TDs; Rylan Konen, 109 car., 906 yds., 19 TDs Passing: Rylan Konen, 45-97, 890 yds., 15 TDs; Braxton Lafferty, 18-29, 358 yds., 6 TDs Receiving: Braden Young, 25 rec., 398 yds., 2 TDs; Braxton Lafferty, 14 rec., 311 yds., 8 TDs; Grant Stephens, 15 rec., 312 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Grant Stephens, 99 tkls; Braxton Lafferty, 90 tkls. Sacks: Toby Jesseph, 3 sacks Interceptions: Braden Young, 6 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The graduation of our entire offensive and defensive line will leave a huge hole to fill. Finding players to fill those roles will be a challenge, but we do have kids that are hungry for their turn. We have had an exceptional summer and the boys are excited. We hope to play a disciplined, physical style of football and improve throughout the season.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Erhik Hermosillo, 1,450 yds., 25 TDs Passing: 1,771 yds., 24 TDs Receiving: Romeo Terriquez, 473 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: Cordell Brown, 76 tkls. Sacks: Khris Hermosillo, 5 sacks Ints.: Romeo Terriquez, 3 INTs; Cordell Brown, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to develop the leaders on this team, improve week by week, and play late in November. The key to our success will be key players taking on the roles and responsibilities to step into leadership positions, training consistently throughout the summer in order to stay healthy throughout the season, and focusing on one week at a time.”
Notes: After starting 3-1, the Leopards lost the final four games last fall. They scored at least 20 points in three of the losses but the D could not get off the field allowing at least 34 points in all five losses.
Juniors Logan Meier and Caleb Dotterer should help continue the offensive improvement as third-year starters behind a big O-line and Dotterer, Noah Esposito, and Branden Sinclair will look to make plays on D. Clifton-Clyde and Ell-Saline are District 5 favorites, but the rest appears up for grabs.
Doug Smart • Kyle Becker • Brad www.smart-ins.comBerry(785)263-1920 ■ LIFE ■ HOME ■ AUTO ■ FARM ■ BUSINESS ■ CROP 215 NW 15th • P.O. Box 697 Abilene, KS 67410 www.smart-ins.com LIFE HOME AUTO FARM BUSINESS CROP 215785-263-1920NW15thStAbilene 1945785-833-5611SOhioSteB1Salina 785-258-22529NBroadwayHerington ULYSSES, KS 2718 West Oklahoma Ave. Toll Free: 800-356-3460 620-356-3460 Good Luck Tigers! 232 East Hwy 96 (620) 322-5007 LEOTI, KS Good Luck Indians! PROUD SUPPORTERS OF LEOPARD & MUSTANG ATHLETICS! Patterson Health Mart Pharmacy 204 W 785-524-4649Lincoln,LincolnKansas Neighborswww.lincolncountyhospital.netLINCOLNCOUNTYHOSPITALNeighbors helping 2021 Record: 6-3 / Hi-Plains League Head Coach: Brant
Offense:
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Caden Morgan, 63 car., 424 yds., 6 yds.; Gage Burk, 45 car., 320 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Caden Morgan, 49-106, 732 yds., 16 TDs Receiving: Devyn Braun, 11 rec., 203 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Caden Morgan, 67 tkls. Sacks: Gage Burk, 2 sacks Interceptions: Brodie Schmidt, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will look to build off last year’s success. We want to be playing our best football during districts and playoffs. We must get stronger and faster over the summer. Some of our players must step up to be steady playmakers and great leaders.”
2021 Record: 12-1 / Wheat State League Head Coach: Kevin Ayers (4th year, 32-5; 23rd over all, 190-44) Assistants: Chad Lafferty, Tyson Konen
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Caleb Dotterer, 84 car., 295 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Logan Meier, 52-93, 638 yds., 10 TDs Receiving: Caleb Dotterer, 15 rec., 135 yds., 2 TDs
Notes: A season after graduation took one of the most successful senior classes in Wichita County football history, an inexperienced squad developed several new starters and finished the 2021 season 6-3. Now, an experienced team will look to make a deep playoff run. Versatile dual-threat QB Erhik Hermosillo is back after accounting for over 3,200 combined yards with 49 combined TDs last fall. Graduation takes defensive standout Tristen Porter and his seven sacks, but five of the top eight tacklers return, including leading tackler Cordell Brown. The Indians are the likely favorites in a tough District 8.
Assistants:
2021 Record: 8-3 / Central Plains League Head Coach: Jon Webster (14th year, 96-42) Assistants: Jack Garcia, Kiel Simas Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Caden Morgan, QB/LB, 6-2, 170, Jr.; Gage Burk, RB/DE, 6-2, 175, Jr.; Conner Barriger, C, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Bryce Conner, WR/DB, 6-1, 155, Sr.; Devyn Braun, TE/DE, 5-10, 185, Sr.; Brodie Schmidt, TE/DE, 5-9, 155, Sr.
Returning
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 125 LA CROSSE LEOTI-WICHITA COUNTY LINCOLN
LITTLE RIVER 2021 Record: 3-5 / Northern Plains League Head Coach: Dustin Patee (5th year, 12-21; 9th overall, 30-45) Assistants: Dayton Walter, Chase Klozenbucher, Zac Walter Offense: Spread Defense: 2-4 Returning starters: Caleb Dotterer, RB/LB, 5-7, 158, Jr.; Josh Davied, OL/DL, 6-0, 264, Jr.; Logan Meier, QB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Ethan Suelter, OL, 5-11, 230, Sr.; Trey Simms, DB, 5-6, 125, Sr.; James Dickerman, DL, 5-8, 163, So.; Noah Esposito, LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Branden Sinclar, LB, 5-11, 165, Jr.
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Offense: Option/Power Defense: 3-2 Read Returning starters: Bryson Turner, RB/S, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Gain Isch, TE/LB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Lane Darbro, FB/ DE, 6-2, 200, Jr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 126 LYNDON MACKSVILLE MADISON/HAMILTON MANKATO-ROCK HILLS
Notes: The Mustangs return several key pieces and will look to challenge Trego, La Crosse, and Ness City for superiority in District 7.
2021 Record: 2-6 / Northern Plains League Head Coach: N/A Assts.: Wyatt Flinn, Otis Hendryx
2021 Record: 5-5 / Central Prairie League Head Coach: Kyle Bright (3rd year, 8-10) Assistant: Tanner Offense:TranbargerSpreadDefense: 3-2
Offense: Spread Flex Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Jalen Massey, RB/DB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Evan Feuerborn, RB/DB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Ethen Ramey, WR/DB, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Casten Wirth, LB, 6-3, 170, Jr.; Jackson Biggs, DE, 6-6, 190, Sr.; Kaedin Massey, OL/DL, 6-8, 255, Jr.; Caleb Anschutz, OL/DL, 5-11, 185, Jr.
2021 Record: 6-4 / Flint Hills League Head Coach: Scott Jones (4th year, 22-9) Assistants: Toby Baker, Michael Massey, Todd Griffin
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jalen Massey, 150 car., 789 yds., 7 TDs; Evan Feuerborn, 53 car., 299 yds., 5 TDs; Ethen Ramey, 32 car., 215 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Jackson Biggs, 11-30, 189 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: Evan Feuerborn, 29 rec., 414 yds., 3 TDs; Ethen Ramey, 15 rec., 348 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Casten Wirth, 42 tkls.; Jalen Massey, 38 tkls. Sacks: Caleb Anschutz, Kaedin Massey, 2 ea. Ints.: Ethen Ramey, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We would like to be competitive week in and week out. We want to see improvement throughout the course of the season. We would like to be able to be competitive within our district to secure home field advantage and we would like to make a deep playoff run. The biggest indicator of our success this season will be how our underclassmen mature both on and off the field. There will be a learning curve transitioning from 11-Man to 8-Man football but the fundamentals remain the same. If we mature in the weight room and as leaders on the field we will find success.”
2021 Record: 10-1 / Lyon County League Head Coach: Alex McMillian (7th year, 49-14) Assistants: Nathan Teichgraeber, Parker Gates
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Nate Meyers, 97 car., 483 yds., 6 TDs; Grant Meyers, 58 car., 316 yds., 6 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Grant Meyers, 6 rec., 39 yds.; Nate Meyers, 3 rec., 35 yds. Tackles: Wyatt Evert, 37 tkls. Sacks: Justus White, 2 Ints.: Wyatt Evert, 1 INT
Receiving: Rogelio Ibarra, 15 rec., 197 yds., 3 TDs; Lance Lickiss, 13 rec., 175 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Ryan Kuckelman, 92 tkls. Sacks: Gustavo Portillo, Ryan Kuckelman, 2 sacks Ints.: Rogelio Ibarra, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Coming off of a playoff win last season, I expect that to springboard us into something greater this season. We return every statistical contributor on offense and the vast majority of our defense. So, with the majority of our team back, and adding a year of experience and maturity to our team, I believe we have a chance to be a tough out. But, just like any football season, we have to avoid injuries and have the ball bounce our way in order for that to happen. We will be a senior-heavy team this year, but we will still receive a lot of contribution from the sophomore and junior classes. Once again, our speed should be a big part of our success. We will not be the biggest team, but we should be able to make up for our lack of size with our speed. Perhaps the biggest key for us this season is going to be our ability to play disciplined, physical defense. We need to get better on first and second down, and if we can, that will put more pressure on the opposing teams.”
Notes: After one season as head coach at Rock Hills Sawyer Havenstein left in a surprise mid-summer move. Havenstein told Kansas Pregame his family decided to move to Manhattan after his wife was offered a job at Manhattan High School. Havenstein’s replacement was not known at press time. Whoever takes on the job will inherit a team that won just two games last season and scored just 32 points in six losses. The 2022 Grizzlies have some experience though, with six returning starters including leading rushers Nate and Grant Meyers who combined for 800 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. Senior Wyatt Evert is back to lead the defense after posting 37 tackles and an interception last fall. RHHS moves up to 8-Man I District 5 this fall where CliftonClyde and Ell-Saline appear to be the favorites.
Returning starters: Ryan Kuckelman, QB/DE, 6-5, 200, Sr.; Rogelio Ibarra, WR/DB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Gustavo Portillo, OL/DL, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Lance Lickiss, TE/DB, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Alvaro Ibarra, TE/LB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Jason Cleveland, RB/LB, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Ervey Triana, OL/LB, 5-8, 185, Jr.; Hector Gomez, RB/LB, 5-8, 155, So.
Notes: After spending the better part of the last 15 years as one of the top small 11-Man programs in Kansas, Lyndon makes the switch to 8-Man. The Tigers have the experience, size and athleticism to be a factor in the postseason immediately, that is if they can survive a brutal district with Burlingame, Chase County and Madison all fielding excellent teams as well. Darian Massey, Trey Brazil, and Toby Miller are key graduation losses, but athletes return to fill those holes.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Ryan Kuckelman, 232 car., 1,464 yds., 21 TDs; Hector Gomez, 79 car., 539 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Ryan Kuckelman, 46-81, 614 yds., 9 TDs
Notes: An incredible group of seniors graduates after going 41-4 the past four seasons. Quarterback/ defensive end Casey Helm is off to Princeton to compete for the track and field team. Leading tackler and receiver Drew Stutesman was an 8-Man All-Star and is now competing in college rodeo at Pratt Community College. Linemen Kevin Heineken and Braden Foltz leave gaping holes on both interior lines. But seventh-year coach Alex McMillian does have a few key pieces back to continue the Bulldogs’ winning ways. Bryson Turner returns as the fastest man in Class 1A and returns after he posted 1,402 yards rushing and 28 touchdowns a year ago. He also is the top returning receiver with 26 catches for 298 yards and 14 TDs a year ago. Junior defensive end Lane Darbro is the top returning tackler after he made 66 stops as a sophomore last year. Senior tight end and linebacker Gain Isch provides another key piece on both sides of the ball.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Bryson Turner, 77 car., 1,402 yds., 28 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Bryson Turner, 26 rec., 298 yds., 14 TDs Tackles: Lane Darbro, 66 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team goals are to continue to build from the successes that we have had the last few years. First step would be winning the LCL trophy and district for the fifth year in a row and hopefully put ourselves in position for a playoff spot. Our team will be really inexperienced this year. We are going to need some guys to grow up and step up in multiple positions for us. Staying healthy is always extremely important in 8-Man football. Lastly, we need to do a better job of converting on two-point conversions.”
Returning starters: Wyatt Evert, TE/LB, 5-10, 170, Sr.; Eli Vance, G/FB/DE, 5-10, 200, So.; Ethan Kenworthy, C, 5-8, 195, Sr.; Isaiah Ridgeway, TE/CB, 5-11, 165, So.; Nate Meyers, RB/S, 5-9, 150, So.; Grant Meyers, RB/DE, 5-10, 180, Sr.
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Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 127 ULYSSES, KS 2718 West Oklahoma Ave. | Toll Free: 800-356-3460 620-356-3460 Good Luck Tigers! 501 E. TEXCOCO STREET (620) 322-5010 MONTEZUMA, KS Good Luck Rebels! Alex Kuhlman, DPT 722 N. Broadway Pittsburg, WWW.KUHLTHERAPIES.COM620-670-5571#FEWERVISITS#BETTEROUTCOMES Proud to support western Kansas athletic programs! ACIDIZING CEMENT TOOL RENTAL P.O. Box 466, Ness City, KS 67560 Office: 785.798.2300 Cell: 785.798.5342 swiftinc@gbta.net 207 S Penn Avenue, Ness City, KS 67560 • (785) 798-2897 Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30am-6pm, Saturday: 8:30am-12:30pm Proud supporters of the Ness City Eagles! G & L Health Mart Pharmacy OBERLIN-DECATUR COMM. OSWEGO 2021 Record: 3-6 / Northwest Kansas League Head Coach: Brandon Hardwick (2nd year, 3-6) Offense: Power Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Gavin Seller, C/NG, Sr.; Teague Morford, LB, Sr.; Lukas Zodrow, LB, Jr.; Garrett Emigh, G/DE, So. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are a young team this year. We had seven seniors last year and have a lot of spots to fill. All wide receivers, running backs, and quarterback will be starting in these positions for the first time. I’m excited to see this young group improve and start making plays.”
Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Danny Guzman, RB, 5-6, 170, Sr.; Derrick Hoss, OL, 5-9, 240, Jr.; Kaleb Paylu, DB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Raul Lopez, DE, 6-0, 180, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders
Defense: 3-3 Stack Returning starters: Brady Papay, OL/DL, 6-3, 280, Sr.; Grayden Stapleton, WR, 6-0, 153, Sr.; Brayden Norris, LB/RB, 5-8, 173, Sr.; Brock Keith, WR/LB, 6-0, 165, Jr.
Notes: The Red Devils were 3-1 after four games last season, but a 50-0 district win over Stockton in Week 4 would be Decatur Community’s last win of the season. DCHS would lose the final five games by at least 36 points each and the 20 points scored against Hoxie in Week 5 would be the last points of the season as the final four losses were all shutouts by 48 points or more. The Red Devils are in a similar district to a year ago with experienced and talented Hill City, Hoxie, and Rawlins County squads, but avoid Trego, who moves to District 7.
Notes: Veteran coach Grant Salmans continued the second year of his second stint as the head coach of the Rebels with an inexperienced team that faced a brutal schedule and posted four wins. South Gray started the season with a string of wins, but went just 1-4 to close out the year with blowout losses at the hands of state powers Meade, Wichita County, and Hill City sandwiched around a heartbreaking two-point loss to Spearville and a 23-16 win over Hodgeman County. Job one is finding a replacement for graduated all-league quarterback Brady Deges and all-league end Ian Davis, but Carter Jantz appears ready to carry more of the load on offense this fall and will continue to make plays from his linebacker spot on defense. Honorable mention allleague junior Rylan Goossen is back to anchor the offensive and defensive lines.
MONTEZUMA-SOUTH GRAY
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brock Keith, 12 car., 108 yds. Passing: None Receiving: Grayden Stapleton, 34 rec., 664 yds., 12 TDs; Brock Keith, 24 rec., 580 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Brayden Norris, 128 tkls.; Brock Keith, 98 tkls.; Grayden Stapleton, 96 tkls. Sacks: Brayden Norris, 4 sacks Interceptions: Grayden Stapleton, 4 INTs; Brock Keith, 3 INTs
Notes: After one season as head coach and an 8-Man State Title, Bryan Luetters moves on to take over the once 5A powerhouse at Liberal. Former assistant Clink Kuhns inherits a team that graduated significant talent including standouts Korben Clawson, Torren Haynes, Zach Volden, and big lineman Cullen Lumry, but four starters return to help the Buffs compete for the District 8 title and make another playoff run. Senior Grayden Stapleton and junior Brock Keith will take expanded roles in the offensive backfield after serving as the leading receiving threats last fall. Big senior Brady Papay will anchor both lines and Brayden Norris is back to lead the defense from his linebacker spot after he tallied 128 tackles a season ago. An experienced Wichita County team will likely be the biggest obstacle for the Buffs in District 8.
MOUNDRIDGE NESS CITY 2021 Record: 3-6 / Central Prairie League Head Coach: Marc Cowles (8th year, 36-30)
Notes: After posting winning records in each of his first three seasons at Oswego, coach Matt Fowler fielded a relatively young team last fall and fell to 3-6, with one of those victories a forfeit by Chetopa in Week 1. The Indians also played in two of the highest scoring games in the state last year with a Week 2 loss to St. Paul (68-66) and a Week 6 loss to Marmaton Valley (106-98) which set the state record for total score by two 8-Man teams. While 1,100-yard rusher Jace Landes graduated, the Indians return five multi-season senior starters and could contend in the district. West Elk appears the favorite in District 1 after Sedan and Yates Center were hit by graduation.
2021 Record: 3-6 / Heart of America League Head Coach: Bret Lange (1st year) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Notes: After five seasons at Moundridge with a 19-36 overall record, Jeremiah Meeks takes over the Wellington program and former MHS assistant Bret Lange takes the reins of the Wildcat program. Lange inherits a team that was loaded with experienced seniors last fall. The Wildcats went 3-6 against a brutal schedule but the team was competitive in all their losses, except the Week 9 playoff game with La Crosse. The Wildcats scored at least 22 points in five of the six losses and at least 30 points in four of those contests. Lange will lead an inexperienced Wildcat team into 8-Man I District 4 this fall against heavy favorites Little River and Goessel, along with Herington, Pretty Prairie, and Solomon. The Wildcats only lost to Goessel 42-22 a season ago, but gone are seven seniors who were multi-season starters for Meeks. The Wildcats fared much better against Pretty Prairie, winning 52-6 in a Week 8 matchup with the Bulldogs.
Receiving: Danny Guzman, 7 rec., 84 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Raul Lopez, 19 tkls. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “A new district provides the opportunity to play some new teams, but will create a very difficult district. We need positive leaders to emerge who will lead by example, take charge, and carry our team. Last year was not the type of year we wanted or expected. We need to learn to be competitive again. Our goal is to get better each week and with a very inexperienced team that will be critical.”
OXFORD 2021 Record: 2-7 / South Central Border League
Notes: The Eagles started last season with a quality win over Macksville but then hit a brutal stretch against some of the state’s best teams and lost six straight games before closing out the year with shutout wins over Spearville and Stockton. The Eagles graduated some key pieces from a year ago, but coach Marc Cowles welcomes four returners to build a team around. Senior Danny Guzman will carry much of the load on offense and he’ll have junior lineman Derrick Hoss to run behind. Junior Kaleb Paylu is back to roam the secondary and senior D-end Raul Lopez returns to the front. NC plays in District 7 with favorites Trego and La Crosse.
Head Coach: Shawn Burkes (17th year) Assistants: Kyle Westerman, Jon Kilts Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Peyton Rush, TE/DE, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Daniel Williams, C/NG, 6-3, 260, Sr.; Michael Lawlis, TE/DB, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Kyan Morris, QB/ DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Hayden Ruyle, TE/DB, 6-0, 140, Sr.; Cordell Jordan, RB/LB, 5-10, 145, So.; Ryland Dassel, FB/LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.
MEADE 2021 Record: 4-5 / SPIAA Head Coach: Grant Salmans (3rd year, 12-7) Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Carter Jantz, QB/LB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Connor Salmans, DE/DB, Jr.; Dalton Winfrey, G/ DE, Sr.; Jorge Lupercio, HB/DB, Sr.; Rylan Goossen, C/DE, Jr. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have quite a few returners on both sides of the ball but will have to replace three good seniors. Last year the seven freshmen all improved throughout the season but need to come into camp in good condition and ready to contribute. We have about three or four spots that need to be filled right away.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Levi George, 67 car., 237 yds., 8 TDs Passing: Levi George, 15-34, 304 yds., 8 TDs Receiving: Colton Goddard, 4 rec., 55 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Levi George, 54 tkls. Sacks: Rayden Myers, 1 sack Interceptions: Levi George, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to play hard-nosed, physical football, make our community proud by playing hard and with class, and improve every day in-season and out of season. The keys to success will be staying healthy, having discipline, and winning the turnover battle.”
Assistants: Shawn Starr, Brandt Rogers
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Kyan Morris, 135 car., 478 yds., 14 TDs; Cordell Jordan, 44 car., 264 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Kyan Morris, 41-91, 723 yds., 7 TDs Receiving: Peyton Rush, 30 rec., 631 yds., 8 TDs Tackles: Peyton Rush, 72 tackles Sacks: Peyton Rush, 2 sacks Ints.: Peyton Rush, Hayden Ruyle, 1 INT ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to be more consistent this year. Our older kids will have to step up and be leaders for us to be successful.”
Notes: After back-to-back 2-7 seasons the Wildcats enter 2022 with high expectations thanks to the return of five multi-season senior starters. Dual-threat QB Kyan Morris returns along with his top receiving target Peyton Rush, who was also the team’s top tackler a year ago. Every rushing yard, passing yard, and receiving yard return, as does every player who posted at least 11 tackles on defense last fall. OHS got a big boost when new districts found them avoiding Madison and Chase County. Newly formed South Sumner is the favorite in District 3, but Oxford should challenge for the second spot.
2021 Record: 3-6 / Three Rivers League Head Coach: Matt Fowler (5th year, 23-14; 14th overall, 85-46) Assistants: Steve McBrien, JD Walker, Jeff Schreppel, Jake Walker Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Jake Hutchinson, RB/LB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Levi George, DB, 5-10, 145, Sr.; Jon Frisbie, LB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Colton Goddard, RB/DB, 5-9, 140, Sr.; Darrell Minor, OL/DE, 5-10, 175, Sr.; Rayden Myers, OL/DE, 6-2, 185, So.
: Rushing: Danny Guzman, 44 car., 165 yds., 5 TDs
2021 Record: 13-0 / SPIAA Head Coach: Clint Kuhns (1st year) Assistants: Andrew Offense:CapseyWingT
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We truly have large shoes to fill coming off a State Championship season. We graduated some very talented and awesome young men as well as lost a great coach. I think we understand we need to put in the work because we know we have big targets on our backs. It’s going to take solid play from our returners and for some of our young guys to step up to be successful this season.”
Notes: After going 15-4 the two seasons prior the T-birds finished a disappointing 2-6 last fall with three losses by eight points or less including two in overtime. Gone to graduation is standout running back Jesus Casas and second and third leading tacklers Isaac Allphin and Owen Jones but significant production returns led by junior quarterback and linebacker Brayden Berens, the top returning rusher, passer, and tackler from a year ago. He’ll have a pair of top receiving targets to throw to in Justus Novotny and Kendrick Little and a bulldozer up front in Griffin Wallace. Skyline faces a tough District 7 with favorites Trego and La Crosse and a good Macksville team.
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to win district. To do that we need to stay healthy and create depth with our younger kids.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Keiondre Smith, 2,027 yds. Passing: Keiondre Smith, 899 yds.
PRETTY PRAIRIE 2021 Record: 4-5 / Heart of the Plains League Head Coach: Blake Lee (1st year) Assistants: Mark Weve, Justin Vogt Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-2 Monster Returning starters: Bryan Steadman, WR/LB, 6-0. 170, Sr.; Cooper Schuldt, OL/DL, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Blake Stucky, RB/DB, 6-1, 140, Sr.; Brock Rodgers, TE/DB, 6-4, 140, Sr.; Luke Dold, DE, 5-8, 147, Sr.; Gauge Stauffer, TE/DE, 6-2, 165, Sr.; Gage Bowers, QB, 5-8, 175, Jr.
Thomas B. Carpenter, CPA
Notes: The Mustangs won more than two games last fall for the first time since 2012. Coach Chase Casteel will try to build on that success with the help of a couple of key returning seniors in QB Hunter Lowmaster (700 combined rush/pass yards, 11 TDs) and tight end Tiler Slaughter-Scott, along with strong junior and freshman classes. Lowmaster is the top returning tackler with 58 and he also added two INTs. West Elk appears to be the favorite in District 1 but graduation losses to Sedan and Yates Center leave the rest of the teams more balanced than the past.
2021 Record: 3-6 / Heart of the Plains Head Coach: Andrew Nation (6th year, 23-23) Assistant: Hagen Turner Offense: Double Tight Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Kendrick Little, RB/DB, 5-8, 160, Sr.; Canon Lauffer, OL/DL, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Brayden Berens, QB/LB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Griffin Wallace, OL/DL, 6-0, 280, Jr.; Justus Novotny, TE/DE, 6-2, 175, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are excited to be opening our new field and looking forward to an exciting season of hard work and dedication in 2022. Our defense will be quick and has a number of seasoned players that are ready to take the next step in their development.”
Notes: Quinter enjoyed the best season since the 2009 8-Man I State Title win and might have taken their playoff run a round or two farther if not for the injury of standout QB Jaden Boone. After two-years Jeff Savage is off to Burden-Central and Cody Corwin takes over a team making the move back up to 8-Man I. He welcomes plenty of experience and production back including a quality group of interior linemen led by senior Braden Polifka. The Bulldogs play in a loaded District 8 with experienced teams from Hill City, Hoxie, and Rawlins County.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brayden Berens, 126 car., 513 yds., 10 TDs; Kendrick Little, 68 car., 339 yds., 1 TD Passing: Brayden Berens, 50-152, 739 yds., 6 TDs Receiving: Justus Novotny, 12 rec., 235 yds., 1 TD; Kendrick Little, 13 rec., 163 yds. Tackles: Brayden Berens, 100 tkls. Sacks: Justus Novotny, 6 sacks Ints.: Kendrick Little, Griffin Wallace, 1 INT ea.
2021 Record: 10-1 / South Central Border League Head Coach: Mick Holt (12th year, 75-36; 17th overall, 101-56) Assistants: John Pray Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Jeremiah Prince, QB/LB, Jr.; Koda Blankenship, OL/DL, Sr.; Levi Dowell, WR/DB, Sr.; Squanto Brownwolf, DB, Jr.
2021 Record: 4-5 / SPIAA Head Coach: Travis Callaway (5th year, 21-17; 7th overall, 24-32) Assistants: Andrew Kemple, Eli Applegate Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Evan Benjamin, RB/DB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Josiah Mettling, OL/DL 6-2, 210, Sr.; Austin Hornung, RB/LB, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Blake Werner, RB/ DB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Dereck Alcala, RB/DB, 5-11, 150, Jr.; Zac Cressler, TE/LB, 5-10, 170 So. Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Evan Benjamin, 33 car., 211 yds., 1 TD Passing: Austin Hornung, 2-5, 14 yds. Receiving: Evan Benjamin, 2 rec., 14 yds. Tackles: Evan Benjamin, 69 tkls.; Austin
Power Run Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Preston Havlas, QB, 6-1, 160, Sr.; Braden Polifka, C/DE, 6-1, 240, Sr.; Trace Kinderknecht, RB/DB, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Fabian Mungaray, G, 5-10, 260, Sr.; Trevor Kaiser, G/ LB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Lakin Getz, FB/LB, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Zayne Beckner, WR/DB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Ethan Grunbacher, WR, 5-9, 145, So.; Dashiell Brown, NG, 6-1, 250, Jr.
Receiving: N/A Tackles: Jackson Risley, 113 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Jackson Risley, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The 2022 season will be a historic one for our program. The first goal we have as a team is to learn how to come together and compete for an opportunity to find success. We are excited about the opportunity we have with this group of young men and it’s a perfect group to take on the task of starting a program. The goal of the season is to bring two communities together and give them good football to watch and get behind. The biggest key to success will be the chemistry of our team. We will need to make sure everyone is on the same page and working towards the same goal of what South Sumner football will be. If we can accomplish this we will give ourselves our best chance to find success on the field.” Hornung, 68 tkls. Ints.: Evan Benjamin, 5 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to be in contention for a playoff spot late in the year. To do that we need to figure out both the offense and defensive lines. We lost several guys that had been key players for the last two to three years on both lines. We also lost a three-year starter in the backfield in Kolten Bennett. We have some young talented backs that need game experience. Defensively the strength of the defense will be in the back end where we return all but two guys that got any significant playing time last fall. Special teams is one area where we have to take advantage as we return a punter and kicker that both won postseason recognition on our all league teams.”
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Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 128 “It’s Not What You Make...It’s What You Keep”
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Notes: An already experienced and talented Sedan team that picked up transfer QB – and eventual 8-Man All-Star – Brec Long played their way to the quarterfinals of the 8-Man I playoffs last fall where the buzzsaw that is Canton-Galva (now in 8-Man II) ended the Blue Devils’ season. Veteran Sedan coach Mick Holt will field a much less experienced squad this fall, but the expectation doesn’t change, a district championship is the goal. Junior Jeremiah Prince will take over the quarterbacking duties from Long and he’ll have lineman Koda Blankenship to work behind. Prince is also the team’s top returning tackler after he made 74 stops a year ago. West Elk returns an experienced squad and are the likely favorites in District 1, but don’t count Sedan out when it’s time to hand out trophies.
SHAWNEE-MARANATHA ACAD. SOLOMON 2021 Record: 5-4 / Wheat State League Head Coach: Mike Kilgore (3rd year, 9-9) Assistants: Devin Rizzo, Kyler Stein Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Spencer Coup, QB, 6-1, 155, Jr.; Scott Robinson, WR, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Spencer Krause, WR, 5-8, 130, Jr.; Hayden Zerbe, DL, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Lucas Newcomer, OL, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Evan Thompson, OL, 5-10, 225, Sr.
SPEARVILLESOUTH SUMNER (CALDWELL/SOUTH HAVEN)
2021 Record: (New Team) / South Central Border Head Coach: Head Coach: Sean Blosser (1st year; 12th overall, 73-37) Assistants: Zane Aguilar, Jason McVeigh, Kelly Sandell
PRATT-SKYLINE
2021 Record: 3-6 / South Central Border League Head Coach: Chase Casteel (2nd year, 3-6) Assistants: N/A Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3-2 Returning starters: Hunter Lowmaster, QB/LB, 6-3, 175, Sr.; Tiler Slaughter-Scott, TE/DL, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Wyatt Osborne, WR/CB, 5-8, Jr.; Tate Leslie, WR, 5-11, 150, Jr.; Kolton Stanfield, OL, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Conner Sigg, CB, 5-9, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Gage Bowers, 86 car., 281 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Gage Bowers, 59-107, 920 yds., 11 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Blake Stucky, 32 tkls. Sacks: Gage Stauffer, 1 sack Interceptions: Blake Stucky, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “After graduating only three seniors from a 4-5 team, we are looking to build this program back to where it used to be and break a string of four consecutive losing seasons. Looking at the season, our goal is to get back to the playoffs. Playing in a tough district, we know that if we can earn a trip to the playoffs, we have a chance to go on a run. The biggest key to our success this year will be limiting big plays and learning to bounce back after things don’t go our way. Eight-Man football is such a game of runs and momentum. Being able to understand that, and fight back when the momentum swings the other way will be critical to our success as a team this year.”
Notes: After three years as an assistant at Lincoln, Blake Lee takes over the Pretty Prairie program and returns solid experience and production from a 4-5 squad. The Bulldogs play in a tough District 4 with Little River and Goessel the heavy favorites, but the remainder of the district appears wide-open.
ROSALIA-FLINTHILLS
Notes: Maranatha began to find some momentum toward the end of the 2021 season and look to establish control of the line scrimmage on both sides of the ball with a number of returning starters at the line positions. Former assistant Brian Chiles takes over for Bryan Burdette stepped down after a lengthy coaching career that spanned two decades and included the past nine years at Maranatha.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Spencer Coup, 73 car., 259 yds. Passing: Spencer Coup, 666 yds. Receiving: Scott Robinson Tackles: Scott Robinson, 53 tkls. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team goals are to have team unity, great program character, to win league, make a playoff run, and be one of the best teams in the state. We have had a high character group from the top down since I have been here. They have a desire to be great and they have the work ethic to be great. The key to our success will be our senior class, character, experience in key positions, fantastic work ethic, having support from the school and community, and the culture of the program.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jeremiah Prince, 39 car., 358 yds. Passing: N/A Receiving: Jeremiah Prince, 12 rec., 225 yds. Tackles: Jeremiah Prince, 74 tkls. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to retain the district championship. The key to our success will be to stay healthy. We graduated 10 players, so we aren’t nearly as deep and experienced (as last year). Good line play on both sides of the ball will be key. We must be disciplined on the defensive side of the ball.”
Notes: The Gorillas improved from 4-5 to 5-4 in the second year under Mike Kilgore and six returning starters are back to try and take another step forward this fall. Junior quarterback Spencer Coup will have a pair of experienced offensive linemen to work behind and senior Scott Robinson is the team’s top returning receiver and defender. The Gorillas play in District 4 where Little River and Goessel are the favorites but Solomon could be well-equipped to challenge for the third position.
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Elijah Carver, RB/LB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Colton Williams RB/C, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Isaac Brown, OL/DL, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Eli Crainshaw, OL/ DL, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Blake Higginbotham, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Peter Heddings, WR/C, 5-10, 150, Jr.; Graden Oswald, TE/DL, 6-0, 240, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Trace Kinderknecht Passing: Preston Havlas Receiving: Zayne Beckner Tackles: Lakin Getz Sacks: Braden Polifka Interceptions: Trace Kinderknecht Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to build off our successful season last year and keep getting better. We have a good core group of kids that love this game and have gotten better every year.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Hunter Lowmaster, 141 car., 347 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Hunter Lowmaster, 32-81, 357 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: Tiler Slaughter-Scott, 5 rec., 69 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Hunter Lowmaster, 58 tkls. Sacks: Kolton Stanfield, 2 sacks Interceptions: Hunter Lowmaster, Tate Leslie, 2 INTs ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The Mustangs are looking to build upon the success they experienced last year, going 3-6 and making the playoffs for the first time since 2013. The Mustangs will be low on seniors this season after graduating seven last year. A large junior and incoming freshman class will help round out the Mustangs’ roster.”
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QUINTER 2021 Record: 8-2 / Northwest Kansas League Head Coach: Cody Corwin (1st year) Assistants: Shawn Mesch, Baxter Beals
SEDAN 2021 Record: 2-7 / Crossroads Conference Head Coach: Brian Chiles (1st year) Assistants: N/A
Offense: Spread Option Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Keiondre Smith, QB/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Jackson Risley, LB/TE, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Miles Newell, OL/DL, 6-0, 265, Jr.; matrix Earnes, OL/DL, 6-3, 260, Jr.; Christopher Clark, TE/DE, 6-2, 240, Sr.; Alex Smith, RB/LB, 5-11, 160, Jr.; Cole Theurer, OL/ LB, 5-11, Cole Weins, WR/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.
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Notes: As predicted, an experienced and talented Trego team showed massive improvement last fall going from 1-6 in 2020 to 8-2 with a playoff win.
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Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Evan Will, 22 car., 216 yds., 6 TDs; Jesiah Bonura, 17 car., 195 yds., 7 TDs; Jachin Bonura, 15 car., 171 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Jase Pavlik, 8-12, 90 yds., 2 TDs; Evan Will, 4-5, 49 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Jachin Bonura, 43 rec., 812 yds., 12 TDs; Simon Everhart, 23 rec., 326 yds., 9 TDs; Evan Will, 19 rec., 246 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Ian Brian, 66 tkls. Sacks: Jude Borchers, 4 sacks Ints.: Simon Everhart, 7 Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The 2022 CPLS football team will continue to embody the legacy of hard work and success that last year’s seniors instilled. Since this will be the first year CPLS will be competing in KSHSAA for football, there is a lot of excitement, change, and unknowns. We are excited and looking forward to facing these new teams and high caliber programs in our inaugural season.” Notes: After a dominant 9-0 2021 season the Lions move into KSHSAA play this fall. Coach Doug Bonura has to replace QB Carter Brian and TE Noah Hastert – now both playing collegiately – but seven starters return. CPLS will play in the ultra-tough District 1 with Burlingame, Chase Co., Lyndon, and Madison all top teams in 8-Man I. CPLS trounced final district opponent Maranatha, 60-6, last fall.
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Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Shane Weber, 48 car., 379 yds., 5 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Cash Cummings, 10 rec., 277 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Jayston Rice, 78 tkls.
YATES CENTER
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Trenton Zenger, 851 yds., 5 TDs Passing: Payton LeDuc, 346 yds. Receiving: Trenton Zenger, 119 yds. Tackles: Quentin Rhoades, 66 tkls. Sacks: Quentin Rhoades, 2 sacks Interceptions: Payton LeDuc, Trenton Zenger, Jaydon Otott, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our team’s goal for this year is to continue to improve daily and stay healthy. If those things can get done then this team has a chance to win a playoff game for the first time in six years. Keys to our success will be staying healthy, and keeping our experienced upperclassmen out on the field. Beyond that, it is important we take care of things that we can control and eliminate mistakes.”
Veteran coach Pat Haxton will have a challenge in trying to replace graduated standouts Charlie Russell, Cole Feldt, and Tanner Sells, but seniors Owen Day, Gunner Wilson, and James Kriegh are an excellent place to start. Day returns at QB and linebacker and is one of the best players in 8-Man. Kriegh is one of the fastest backs in Kansas and rushed for 1,500 yards last fall. Wilson was an excellent target opposite Russell in the passing game. The key for Haxton is finding guys to do the work in the trenches. If he can do that, expect Trego to challenge La Crosse and Macksville in District 7.
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2021 Record: 6-3 / Three Rivers League Head Coach: Ryan Panko (6th year, 15-31; 9th overall, 35-40) Assistants: Dakota Price, Chris Cavender, Thayne Smith
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 129
2021 Record: 8-2 / Mid-Continent League Head Coach: Pat Haxton (10th year, 35-46; 24th overall, 111-117) Assistants: Taylor Haxton, Keagan Offense:Shubert Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Owen Day, QB/ILB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Gunner Wilson, WR/DB, 6-1, 165, Sr.; James Kreigh, RB/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Corbin Micek, OL, 6-4, 245, Jr.
1613 Quivira (785)Washington,RdKS325-2232 SIX
2021 Record: 2-7 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Tommy Tryon (2nd year, 2-7) Assistant: Scott Romeiser Offense: Multiple Option Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Payton LeDuc, QB/LB, 5-11, 195, Sr.; Trenton Zenger, FB/LB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Jaydon Otott, RB/DB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Quentin Rhoades, OL/DE, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Matthew Kern, OL/ DL, 5-11, 265, Sr.; Aidan Goeckel, E/LB, 6-0, 170, Sr.
WICHITA-THE INDEPENDENT
Offense: Pistol Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Christian Dean, RB/DB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Terry Guan, OL/DL, 5-9, 250, Sr.; Conar Harris, WR, 6-3, 170, Sr.; Grayson Jensen, LS/TE/ DE, 6-5, 170, Jr.; Mason Lipsey, RB/LB, 5-9, 160, So.; Cooper Randleas, OL/DL, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Joseph Recalde-Phillips, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Alvin Richard RB/LB/PR, 5-9, 160, Jr.; Bret Short, OL/DL, 6-0, 230, Sr.; Tatum Stalnaker, QB/WR, 6-0, 170, Sr.; DJ Surrell, WR/DB, 5-8, 160, So.
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Jayston Rice, OL/LB, 5-11, 250, Sr.; Cash Cummings, QB/DB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Shane Weber, RB/LB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Adam Spencer, OL/DL, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Emmit George, RB/DB, 6-3, 185, Sr.
Tackles: Miguel Hernandez, 107 tkls. Sacks: Braxon Blackwood, 1.5 Ints.: Miguel Hernandez, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals this year are to continue to compete and develop our athletes. With our returning starters and our big senior class I believe we can have our first winning record in over 10 years. The key to our success will be our leaders stepping up and a big senior season for Miguel Hernandez, Anthony Najera, and Ace Martinez.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Max Moffet, Zach Young Passing: Max Moffet Receiving: Emerson Lowry Tackles: Zach Young, Emerson Lowry, Max Moffet Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are a young team that works well with each other. We have a new offense and look forward to the start of a new season.”
2021
Notes: While the Tigers won just two games in the first season under Tommy Tryon, they were ultracompetitive in four of the seven losses. The Tigers battled a quality Frankfort team in a season opening 60-34 loss and followed it up with a 34-28 overtime loss to Bennington. After blowouts at the hands of Canton-Galva and Burlingame were sandwiched around a win over Doniphan West, the Tigers fell 34-14 to Maranatha. A 50-0 loss to Clifton-Clyde was followed by a 28-26 loss to Valley Falls and a 66-44 win over Herington. Now six senior starters return to help turn to those close losses into wins. Russell Ave., WaKeeney (785) www.malaysmarket.com743-2031brunaimplementco.comLOCATIONSor Carryout Dine-in, Carryout, & Delivery WaKeeney785-743-2383324S.1stSt. in Washington, Mankato and Clay Center North Central Kansas over 100 luck to athletes! Record: 0-9 / Mid-Continent League Head Coach: Don Moffet (1st year) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Max Moffet, QB/DB, 6-1, 130, Jr.; Zach Young, RB/LB, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Emerson Lowry, RB/DB, 5-5, 140, So.; Hayden Hilbrink, C/DL, 5-2, 140, Jr.; Ryan Mongeau, OL/DL, 5-8, 240, So.; Jaxon Dunlap, OL/DL, 5-11, 230, So.
STOCKTON SUBLETTE 2021 Record: 1-6 / Hi-Plains League Head Coach: John Le (2nd year, 1-6) Assistants: Lyle Befort, Rich Humphrey Offense: Spread Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Miguel Hernandez, QB/FS, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Anthony Najera, OL/DL, 5-10, 215, Sr.; Ace Martinez, WR/CB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Braxon Blackwood, RB/DE, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Edgar Saenz, RB/ LB, 5-8, 175, So.; Jonny Garetson, OL/DL, 6-0, 215, Jr.; Harvey Jaquez, DB/WR, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Benny Banman, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, Sr.; Noah Friesen, WR/ DB, 6-2, 190, So.; Jeremiah Houdashelt, OL/DL, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Caydon Good, LB/TE, 6-1, 180, Sr.
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2021 Record: 1-6 / Central Plains League Head Coach: Leterius Ray (2nd year, 1-6) Assistants: Jarvis Love, Shane Pope, Julius Moore
2021 Record: 9-0 / Kansas Christian Athletic Assoc. Head Coach: Doug Bonura (N/A) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Tague Adams, OL/LB, Jr.; Jachin Bonura, WR/DB, Sr.; Jesiah Bonura, RB/LB, Jr.; Jude Borchers, OL/DL, Sr.; Ian Brian OL/LB, So.; Ben Roeder, RB/DB, So.; Justus Scott, OL/DL, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jayce Rieth Passing: Jenson Harness Receiving: Isaac Johnson Tackles: Jenson Harness Sacks: Jenson Harness Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We struggled through injuries, youth, and a very tough schedule last year. We expect to be much better this season, but the guys need to relax and enjoy themselves playing football this season. They put too much pressure on themselves last year and folded when things got tough.”
Notes: The Eagles struggled through injuries and youth a year ago and continue to find it incredibly difficult to return to the form that saw Udall consistently post winning records for much of the first 15 seasons of Wyatt Williams’ tenure as head coach. Back are seven experienced starters – led by junior Jenson Harness – to try and help the Eagles navigate a District 3 with newly formed South Sumner the likely favorite, while Central-Burden and Oxford also return significant experience. WichitaIndependent is new to the 8-Man game and Attica/ Argonia was hit hard by graduation.
Notes: It was a special season for a long-struggling Yates Center program and coach Ryan Panko welcomes back a few key pieces to help continue the winning ways. The defense will likely carry the team early with linebackers Jayston Rice and Shane Weber leading the way and defensive back Cash Cummings roaming the secondary. The key to success this fall is to find a replacement for graduated quarterback Sean Hurst, now at Ottawa.
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Notes: After half a decade under Phil Conyac from 2015 to 2020, Stockton is now on its third coach of
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: James Kreigh, 1,449 yds. Passing: Owen Day, 1,048 yds. Receiving: Gunner Wilson, 30 rec., 403 yds. Tackles: Owen Day, 65 tkls. Sacks: Quintin Walt, 2 sacks Interceptions: James Kriegh, Gunner Wilson, 2 INTs ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal for the year is to get better each week. We, like everyone else, must stay healthy. Our seniors’ attitudes must be good everyday and their leadership needs to be very good if we are going to be successful.”
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Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Alvin Richard Passing: Joseph RecaldePhillips Receiving: Tatum Stalnaker Tackles: Christian Dean Sacks: Bret Short Interceptions: Conar Harris, Christian Dean, Grayson Jensen Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We’re hoping to re-write our school’s record books, contend for a district title, and make a legitimate postseason run. We must adjust to the 8-Man game Week 1. The transition to 8-Man will help ease our previous depth issues, but we will need to adapt to the style of play quickly. We have to stay healthy down the home stretch to maximize our potential. The team improved greatly over the course of last season, but the wheels fell off at the end. Coaches are working to field a big enough team to avoid that circumstance this season.”
Sacks: Shane Weber, 4 sacks Interceptions: Cash Cummings, 6 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Last season, our school captured its first football league title since 1970. That was a big deal. We want to try and duplicate that same success this year. While I feel we certainly have the talent to do it, we have some key positions that need some attention. Our lack of depth is an issue. We graduated six seniors last year, four of which were four-year starters. We also lost one of our returning seniors to a seasonending knee injury over the summer. The other kids we do have coming back are solid, and maybe even more solid than the kids we lost to graduation last year, but they are going to need a supporting cast to help get through the season. We have some underclassmen that are going to have to step up.”
Notes: Sublette returns significant experience and switches to 8-Man, and though they play in a district with favorites Meade and Wichita County, the Larks appear well-equipped to challenge the other district opponents. Senior QB Miguel Hernandez appears poised for a breakout season and classmates Anthony Najera and Ace Martinez provide a quality lineman and skill player respectively. the 2020s. After one winless season under Justin Basart assistant Don Moffet takes over as the Tigers’ new head guy and has an experienced nucleus to work with. While there is experience back, the Tigers will still be quite young with three juniors and three sophomores returning as starters. The Tigers were once a powerhouse in small-school 11-Man football, winning 11-Man State Championships in 1971, 1987, 1992, 1993, and 1995, with appearances in 1970, 1986, and 1994. But SHS is currently mired in a lengthy streak of losing seasons, the last time above .500 coming in 2002.
2021 Record: 1-7 / South Central Border League Head Coach: Wyatt Williams (17th year) Assistants: Barney Offense:RockeyI-Formation Defense: 4-3 Returning starters: Jenson Harness, QB, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Isaac Johnson, WR/DB, 6-0, 155, So.; Jaxon Burley, OL, 5-9, 240, Sr.; Duane Ault, WR/DB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Rylan Evans, OL, 6-1, 290, Sr.; Dylan Lavey, OL, 5-11, 310, Sr.; Brent Burley, RB, 5-11, 170, Jr.; James Webb, DE, 5-10, 160, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Miguel Hernandez, 869 yds., 7 TDs
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Passing: Miguel Hernadez, 507 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Ace Martinez, 30 rec., 435 yds., 2 TDs
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Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 131 players return with starting experience. Headlining the group are de fensive linemen Brian Shaw and Kaleb Wagenblast, and defensive back Dylan Bice, all three All-State senior defenders. Bice is also one of 8-Man II’s top dual-threat QBs, after rushing for 1,459 yards last season, and passing for 1,042 more. His twin-brother Dalton Bice lined up at running back and gained 622 yards rushing. Hanover went 6-4 last year but lost two games to State Champs Axtell – who they came within just six points of beating in the first go-around – with the other losses to talented Osborne and Frankfort squads. Senior receiver Josh Zarbnicky is the top returning offen sive producer after a 24 reception, 620 yard, 12 TD season in 2021. He was also a top defensive player for the Wildcats, recording 80 tackles at linebacker. He returns alongside fellow linebacker, and top returning tackler, senior Cole Meyer, who carded 83 stops a year ago. The four-loss season was Hanover’s first since 2011. Victoria has five starters back from 2021’s 10-2 team that ad vanced to the quarterfinals before a 42-30 loss to WheatlandGrinnell. Senior Carson Werth is among the top two-way players in 8-Man II and returns as the feature back after rushing for 1,208 yards and 16 TDs, while also recording 81 tackles and six sacks at linebacker. Senior QB Thaddeus Wohler gives the Knights an experienced signal-caller after throwing for 480 yards and seven touchdowns last fall, and he gets back his go-to receiver in junior tight end Seth Schwein, who reeled in 17 catches for 337 yards and 7 TDs. Losses to graduation on the offensive line are likely a focus for 17th year head coach Doug Oberle. An experienced Dighton Hornet team that returns five multi-sea son senior starters should be among the top teams on the west side of Division II, if they can stay healthy. Quarterback Max Neeley is among the top dual-threats in Kansas and Eli Wilkinson and Hector Wilkison are back to lead the defense. Sophomore defensive back Daniel Cramer returns after leading the team with six interceptions a year ago. Lebo lost its top offensive player to graduation last season in Kyle Reese, but six starters in all return from fifth year head coach Brian Hadley’s 9-2 2021 team. Among them is Landon Grimmett, whose athleticism was used at receiver last season to the tune of 541 yards and 10 TDs. Grimmett is set to take over as the team’s QB in 2022 and will have all three starting offensive linemen back, along with all-league junior running back Corey Reese and senior tight end Luke Davies. Reese returns as the team’s top tackler with 50 stops during his sophomore season. The Wheatland-Grinnell Thunderhawks ended the most suc cessful three-year run in school history with a loss to Axtell in the 8-Man II championship game. Graduation takes a heavy toll as the Thunderhawks bid farewell to four multi-season senior standouts, but a few key contributors do return, including bruising fullback and linebacker Nathan Vollbracht and athletic receiver and D-back Treven Humphries. Adam Phillips (139 tackles) also returns to lead the defense, as do three offensive linemen. An experienced Colony-Crest team will look to continue a streak of three straight winning seasons and battle for a district title and deep playoff run behind 12 returning starters. Sylvan-Lucas will look to challenge Victoria for a district title behind talented senior running back and linebacker Geriun Boor and five other returning starters. Central Plains will field a young team but should also com pete with Victoria and Sylvan-Lucas in District 5. Frankfort has been among the best teams in the very tough Twin Valley League the last few seasons, but graduation takes a hefty toll, so young players will need to step up early. Beloit St. John’sTipton returns nine players with starting experience, including top tacklers Chance and Cooper Jermark, from a team that went 4-5.
St.
Lebo, Osborne, South
While Axtell deserves the top spot heading into the season, Shelby Hoppes’ Canton-Galva squad plans throw up a roadblock in Axtell’s path to a repeat. After going 9-2 in 8-Man I last fall the Eagles slip down to 8-Man II and return six of eight starters from a team who’s only losses came against 8-Man I State Runner-up Little River in a pair of one possession games. While the loss of one of the Eagles’ best players ever in Tyson Struber (K-State sign ee) hurts, they received a possible replacement with the transfer of another potential major college prospect in Jett Vincent, last year’s SIK 8-Man II Defensive Player of the Year who recorded 125 tackles and six interceptions last fall, running his total to 28 career INTs. The current senior also had over 1,300 receiving yards for WheatlandGrinnell – helping the Thunderhawks to the 8-Man II title game be fore losing to Axtell, one of two losses to the Eagles on the season. Throwing him the ball at Canton-Galva will be All-State QB Garrett Maltbie, who went 110 for 179 with 2,090 passing yards and 33 TDs to just two INTs, with another 763 yards and 21 TDs on the ground. Thunder Ridge had no blemishes on their record right up until a 46-0 drubbing at the hands of Axtell in the state semifinals, leaving the Longhorns at 11-1 on the year. While graduating All-State play ers Owen Hrabe and Olin Brown is a slight bump in the road, seven “We won that State Championship, but we’re hungry to go get another one. We’ve never won back-to-back and obviously that’s our Hanover, Barber, Paul, Royer/KSportsImages.com)
Replacing Scott Price, Nate Bowman, Nathan Imel, and Gunnar Hearne will be no small task for Bucklin, but there are pieces back to help Trever Powell continue his building project. South Barber dual-threat quarterback Briggs Jewell is back as one of the top players in all of 8-Man football and he’ll try to lead the Chieftains to another winning season. Osborne will try to win a district title behind junior quarterback Doak Guttery and speedy senior running back Connor Schurr. St. Paul enters the 2022 season with an experienced squad led by four returning senior starters and three juniors. The Indians will have size and experience on the line and quarterback Trey Peter, wide receiver Landon Beachner, and running back Kiser Wiatrak return with two years of production under their belts. After back-to-back winning seasons, expectations are very high at Kinsley, where six returning starters have the Coyotes in position to challenge South Barber for a district title.
ERICAXTELLgoal.”COACH,DETWEILER KANSAS PREGAME 8-MAN II PRESEASON RANKINGS 1. Axtell 2. Canton-Galva 3. Thunder Ridge 4. Victoria 5. Others:DightonColony-Crest, Frankfort,
Wheatland 8-MAN II Axtell enjoyed a dominant 13-0 season and return nearly everyone from that team to try and repeat the feat this fall. (Photo: Everett
By Keegan McCullick & John Baetz, Kansas Pregame Axtell could not be stopped last season as they tore through their schedule with only one game giving them cause for concern, a 3024 win over Twin Valley League rival Hanover early in the regular season. The Eagles won every other game by double digits, includ ing a 52-26 win over that same Hanover team in the second round of the playoffs. If you expected a big outgoing senior class after the flawless 13-0 finish, guess again. Every starter returns from Sports in Kansas 8-Man II Coach of the Year Eric Detweiler’s squad, includ ing the 8-Man II Offensive Player of the Year, Isaac Detweiler. Coach Detweiler’s son, and starting quarterback, passed for nearly 2,000 yards and gained just under 1,300 more on the ground with 63 TDs. Nine All-State slots total were filled by Axtell players, not counting the Detweilers’ player and coach of the year awards. Sophomore running back Brandon Schmelzle, junior O-lineman Grant Buessing, senior D-lineman Owen Strathman, and sophomore linebacker Eli Broxterman are also among the best in the classification at their positions. This fall could very well lead to consecutive champion ships for the Eagles, if they’re lucky enough to sustain a clean bill of health, with depth being the team’s only identifiable weakness. “We only have 14 or 15 kids on our roster and we were benefitted last year that we didn’t hardly have any injuries,” coach Detweiler said. “We need to work on depth this year, get some more kids into the game.”
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Head Coach: Chris Steiner (12th year, 89-27; 13th overall, 90-35) Assistants: Dustin Robinson, Bryce Streiner, Michael Ryan
Notes: An experienced Canton-Galva team got even better with the addition of Jett Vincent in the offseason. Vincent, Garrett Maltbie, and tight end/ defensive end TJ Koehn are three of the very best players in the state. Even with all that athletic talent, the key to the Eagles making a deep playoff run is an experienced offensive line tasked with protecting Maltbie and opening running lanes for Ryder Nordstrom. The move to Division II presents a much more manageable schedule with the Eagles the heavy favorite in District 2.
2021 Record: 2-6 / SPIAA Head Coach: Brett Westrup (1st year) Assistants: Rylan Woofolk, Colten Clark
COLDWATER-SOUTH CENTRAL 2021 Record: 5-4 / Three Rivers League Head Coach: Nick McAnulty (4th year, 21-9) Assistant: Roland Weir Single-Wing Defense: 4-2 Returning starters: Holden Barker, RB/LB, 5-9, 190, Sr.; Avery Blaufuss, FB/LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Ty Chambers, G/DE, 6-1, 300, Sr.; Trevor Church, TE/ CB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Ethan Godderz, QB/LB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Colby McAdam, C/N, 6-2, 280, Sr.; Karter Miller, WR/S, 5-10, 130, Sr.; Cody Nolan, G/DE, 5-9, 230, Sr.; Ryan Golden, WR/CB, 6-3, 160, Jr.; Stetson Setter, RB/LB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Jack White, TE/LB, 6-1, 170, Sr.; Malachi Trester, G/N, 6-1, 240, Sr.
Notes: The Timberwolves posted their first losing season since a 4-5 mark in 2012 but were competitive, dropping four games by 20 points or less. Brett Westrup takes over as head coach and inherits a team that graduated the majority of its offensive production from a year ago and has just one returning senior. Returning junior starters Gavin Uhl and Curtis Barnard give South Central some size and experience on the front lines and JT Prusa (sophomore) and Isaiah Jellison (junior) provide experience at the skill positions. The Timberwolves will play in District 7 against a South Barber team that graduated some key talent, a Kinsley team coming off a rare winning season in Division I, a Stafford squad welcoming a new coach, and a St. John squad mired in a nine-game losing streak. If Westrup’s team can grow up quickly they should be equipped to battle for a district title, with South Barber the likely favorite.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Andrew Bowman, 20 car., 119 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Andrew Bowman, 1-1, 4 yds. Receiving: Andrew Bowman, 28 rec., 493 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Andrew Bowman, 81 tkls.; Izaiah Pearce, 66 tkls. Sacks: Waylon Dolezal, 5 sacks; Andrew Bowman, 3.5 sacks; Drew Ellis, 3 sacks Ints.: Zaden Pearce, 2 Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to be district champs and make another run in the playoffs for the third straight year. Team speed and physicality are keys to success this year.”
2021 Record: 5-4 / Central Prairie League
Offense: Double Tight I-Formation Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Gavin Uhl, OL/DL, 6-0, 195, Jr.; JT Prusa, QB/OLB, 5-9, 165, So.; Isaiah Jellison, FB/ LB, 6-0, 185, Jr.; Curtis Barnard, OL/DL, 6-0, 205, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Isaac Detweiler, 1,273 yds., 29 TDs Passing: Isaac Detweiler, 124-164, 1,984 yds., 34 TDs Receiving: Grady Buessing, 29 rec., 542 yds., 13 TDs; Evan Buessing, 14 rec., 251 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Isaac Detweiler, 100 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Brandon Schmelzle, 10 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have a small but athletic squad. We take pride in being the smallest school in our classification and still winning the State Title. We return all eight starters and this year will still only have a total of six juniors and seniors. Like many squads, staying injury free will be key for us and we will need to continue for our younger classmen to step up and make big plays.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Tyson Gates, 24 car., 73 yds., 3 TDs; Cooper Jermark, 25 car., 72 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Tyson Gates, 9-24, 232 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: Luke Bates, 12 rec., 243 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Cooper Jermark, 158 tkls.; Luke Bates, 103 tkls.; Chance Jermark, 76 tkls. Sacks: Luke Bates, 3.5 sacks Ints.: Cooper Jermark, 3 INTs; Josh Towner, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for this year are a winning season, district championship, and make it deeper into the playoffs. To achieve this we need players stepping into leadership roles that were supporting cast in prior years, executing assignments at a much higher rate than last season.”
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Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Blaine Hickel, 31 car., 124 yds., 1 TD Passing: Evan Stratman, 24-41, 175 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: Blaine Hickel, 11 rec., 82 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Joseph Bunch, 72 tkls. Sacks: Evan Stratman, Blaine Hickel, 4 sacks Interceptions: Hunter Klima, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to finish strong in our district and get to the playoffs and try to make a late run. We have to stay healthy! We need our large class of talented freshmen to step up and push the upperclassmen. We need our young kids to provide some depth and even challenge for starting positions. For sure we need these guys to take some spots on special teams to give some starters some rest.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: JT Prusa, 3 car., 9 yds. Passing: JT Prusa, 1-1, 25 yds. Receiving: JT Prusa, 5 rec., 46 yds. Tackles: Gavin Uhl, 59 tkls.; JT Prusa, 39 tkls. Ints.: JT Prusa, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Being so young we just want to get better with each week. SC is going to be very young this year with just one senior. We are going to rely heavily on underclassmen to step up and fill the holes left by seven seniors from the 2021 season. Playing fast and assignment proof football is gonna be huge to the success of the 2022 season.”
2021 Record: 4-5 / Northern Plains League Head Coach: Dean Gengler (4th year, 18-11) Assts.: Geoff Jermark, Scott Hartman, Lance Hulse Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Cooper Jermark, LB/OL, 6-0, 175, Sr.; Luke Bates, DE/TE/WR/P, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Jack Hartman, OL/DL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Nicholas Greenwood, DB/RB, 5-11, 145, Sr.; Josh Towner, DB/OL/TE, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Trey Collins, DB, 5-10, 135, Sr.; Daniel Eilert, DE/TE, 6-0, 155, Jr.; Chance Jermark, LB/RB, 5-8, 160, Jr.; Tyson Gates, QB/DB, 5-11, 160, So.
AXTELL
Receiving: Jett Vincent, 67 rec., 1,341 yds., 19 TDs; Cason Mastre, 31 rec., 630 yds., 10 TDs; TJ Koehn, 13 rec., 288 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Jett Vincent, 125 tkls., TJ Koehn, 74 tkls., Lane McMannis, 55.5 tkls.; Ryder Nordstrom, 54.5 tkls. Sacks: TJ Koehn, 5 sacks; Wyatt Collins, 2 sacks Interceptions: Jett Vincent, 6 INTs; Garrett Maltbie, Wyatt Collins, 2 ea.
2021 Record: 13-0 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Eric Detweiler (9th year, 69-21) Assts.: Dale Buessing, Craig Wiebe, Quinn Buessing Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Isaac Detweiler, QB/DB, 5-11, 180, Sr.; Grady Buessing, WR/DB, 6-2, 180, Jr.; Sawyer Deters, OL/DL, 6-2, 270, Jr.; Owen Strathman, OL/DL, 6-6, 225, Sr.; Evan Buessing, WR/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Grant Buessing, OL/DL, 6-1, 220, Jr.; Brandon Schmelzle, RB/DB, 6-2, 175, So.; Eli Broxterman, RB/DB, 6-0, 185, So.
BUCKLIN CANTON-GALVA 2021 Record: 10-2 / Wheat State League Head Coach: Shelby Hoppes (6th year, 47-10)
Notes: The Oilers stayed just above the .500 line with a 5-4 finish last fall. Chris Steiner’s squad was mostly dominant in their five wins with only one win closer than 15 points, but CPHS struggled against the best teams on their schedule allowing at least 38 points in each of the four losses and not scoring more than eight points in any of those contests. If a group of talented young players can get up to speed quickly the schedule present opportunities for Steiner to continue the winning tradition. The district is manageable, with Victoria the heavy favorite and Central Plains likely to battle Sylvan-Lucas for the second spot in the district pecking order. PLAINS
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Holden Barker, 214 car., 2,071, 36 TDs Passing: Ethan Godderz, 36-64, 335 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Karter Miller, 12 rec., 149 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Avery Blaufuss, 77 Sacks: Cody Nolan, 7 Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We had zero seniors on the 2021 football team and will be returning everyone for the 2022 season. Our juniors had to step up and take on a leadership role that should pay off in a big way this season. Offensively we will be returning All-State running back Holden Barker who rushed for over 2,000 yards as a junior. Ethan Godderz also received honorable mention All-State at quarterback rushing for over 900 yards. The backfield should also receive a boost with the return of senior Stetson Setter. He missed all of the 2021 season with an injury and will be a big part of the offense this season. Defensively we return first team defensive end Cody Nolan who led the team with seven sacks. Holden Barker and Ethan Godderz both received honorable mention at the linebacker position and should continue to be leaders for us.”
Notes: An experienced Lancers team will look to continue a streak of three straight winning seasons and battle for a district title and deep playoff run behind 12 players who started at some point in 2021.
CLAFLIN-CENTRAL
Notes: An experienced Hornet team that returns five multi-season senior starters should be among the top teams on the west side of Division II, if they can stay healthy. Quarterback Max Neeley is among the top dual-threats in Kansas and Eli Wilkinson and Hector Wilkison are back to lead the defense. Sophomore defensive back Daniel Cramer returns after leading the team with six interceptions a year ago.
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Notes: After the best season since 1996 the Red Aces graduate a talented class of 2022 and enter this fall with a roster dominated by players entering just their junior season. Replacing Scott Price, Nate Bowman, Nathan Imel, and Gunnar Hearne will be no small task, but there are pieces back to help Trever Powell continue his building project in Bucklin. Andrew Bowman likely takes the reins at quarterback after leading the Red Aces in receiving last fall. He doubles as the team’s top returning tackler. Zaden Pearce is the lone returning senior with starting experience and will be one of the leaders on the defense after posting 35 tackles and two interceptions a year ago. Powell will need to develop some new pieces along the front lines, but Waylon Dolezal provides good size at tight end and D-end and led the team with five sacks.
COLONY-CREST DIGHTON 2021 Record: 9-2 / Northwest Kansas League
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will need to work on becoming a more physical defense in 2022. If the guys can figure that out, that unit should be very solid moving forward.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 132
Head Coach: Ken Simon (12th year, 64-46) Assistants: Logan Lingg, Ben Wilkens
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Max Neeley, 224 car., 1,588 yds., 31 TDs Passing: Max Neeley, 72-125, 995 yds., 15 TDs Receiving: Daniel Cramer, 26 rec., 388 yds., 9 TDs Tackles: Max Neeley, 114; Eli Wilkinson, 88 tkls Sacks: Eli Wilkinson, Hector Wilkison, 5 sacks Interceptions: Daniel Cramer, 6 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to keep a winning mentality every day. We want to be competitive every Friday night and keep improving throughout the season to be playing good football come playoff time. Our main goal is to make a run in the playoffs. We must develop some younger players that will need to play a lot this year in some key positions that are vacant from graduation. Offensively we need to continue to build continuity within our offensive line and be more consistent with our execution on offense as a whole. Defensively we must be better at the line of scrimmage and improve our physicality to compete with the better teams out west in the playoffs.”
Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Max Neeley, QB/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Eli Wilkinson, OL/DE, 5-11, 200, Sr.; Hector Wilkison, RB/DE, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Rey Castillo, SE/DE, 5-8, 140, Sr.; Antonio Dominguez, C, 6-2, 260, Sr.; Carson Shimer, TE, 6-3, 190, Jr.; Daniel Cramer, SE/ DB, 5-9, 150, So.
Notes: The Blujays graduate just a couple of key seniors from last year’s 4-5 team in Jaret Eitzmann and Ben Thompson. Nine players with starting experience return. The defense – which returns seven of the top 10 tacklers – will carry the team early as a new offensive backfield develops. Cooper and Chance Jermark and Luke Bates return as three of the most productive defensive players in all of 8-Man. The Blujays should be in the thick of the District 4 race with Osborne the likely favorite.
Notes: Axtell has played in two of the last three State Championships and brings back all their starters, with only two letterwinners lost, from 2021’s 8-Man II State Championship squad. Eric Detweiler, last year’s 8-Man II Coach of the Year, and his son Isaac Detweiler, the Sports in Kansas 8-Man II Offensive Player of the Year, are accompanied by a roster rich in talent, including All-State selections in sophomore running back Brandon Schmelzle, junior O-lineman Grant Buessing, senior D-lineman Owen Strathman, and sophomore linebacker Eli Broxterman.
Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Evan Stratman, QB/DB, 5-8 170, Sr.; Joseph Bunch, CB, 5-8, 155, Sr.; Blaine Hickel, RB/NG, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Hunter Klima, TE/LB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Eli Hurley, OL/LB, 5-7, 175, So.; Logan Stroede, OL, 6-4, 250, So.
BELOIT-ST. JOHN’S/TIPTON 2021 Record: 8-2 / SPIAA Head Coach: Trever Powell (3rd year, 14-6) Assistants: Derek Bevan Offense: Pro-Style Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Zaden Pearce, WR/LB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Andrew Bowman, RB/QB/LB, 5-11, 165, Jr.; Waylon Dolezal, TE/DE, 6-1, 190, Jr.; Drew Ellis, G/ DL, 5-11, 175, Jr.; Izaiah Pearce, DL, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Lucas Kirk, DB, 5-11, 155, So.
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Garret Maltbie, QB/DB, 6-1, 180, Sr.; Cason Mastre, WR/DB, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Jett Vincent, 6-3, 180, WR/DB, Sr.; TJ Koehn, TE/ DE, 6-4, 220, Sr.; Ryder Nordstrom, RB/LB, 5-7, 165, Sr.; Preston Minson, OL, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Wyatt Collins, OL/DE, 6-2, 215, Jr.; Lane McMannis, DB, 5-11, 155, Jr.
Assistants: Tyler O’Connor, Ted Regehr, Zac Hoppes
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Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Garrett Maltbie, 100 car., 763 yds., 21 TDs; Ryder Nordstrom, 79 car., 575 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Garrett Maltbie, 110-179, 2,090 yds., 33 TDs
Notes: Hanover graduated significant production after the 2020 season and last fall lost four games for the first time since 2011. While the Wildcats aren’t loaded with experience this fall they do return plenty of production on the defensive side of the ball with three of the top four tackles and five players who combined to make eight interceptions returning. District 3 will be tough with Axtell the heavy favorites.
2021 Record: 11-2 / Western Kansas Liberty League Head Coach: Matt Wolf (1st year) Assistants: Dylan Gassmann, William Bixenman
The program took another hit when coach Jesse Vincent, and his son, standout wide receiver and defensive back Jett, moved to Canton-Galva. Former assistant Matt Wolf moves into the head coaching spot and he’ll welcome back a few key contributors including bruising fullback and linebacker Nathan Vollbracht and athletic receiver and D-back Treven Humphries. Adam Phillips (139 tackles) also returns to lead the defense, as do three offensive linemen.
Notes: After five seasons as Hartford head coach Colten Barrett is replaced by Danen Kistner and he’ll try to help the Jags improve on their 3-5 finish of a season ago. The graduation of standout running back and linebacker Shayden Sull leaves a big hole, but the return of dual-threat quarterback Ali Smith gives Kistner a known commodity. Smith has a pair of experienced offensive linemen back to work behind. Smith is also the top returning tackler for the Jags and posted two interceptions in the defensive backfield last fall. Duncan Baker provides some size up front on both sides of the line and returns after posting three sacks a season ago. Hartford will compete in District 1 with Marais des Cygnes Valley, Marmaton Valley, St. Paul, and likely favorites Lebo and Colony-Crest. The Jags played in a trifecta of high-scoring shootouts a year ago starting with a Week 1 win over Maranatha, 100-58, and losses to MdCV (60-40), and St. Paul (40-34) in Week 7 and 9.
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to get back to the state championship. The key to our success will be giving everything we have every play.”
Passing: None Receiving: Treven Humphries, 22 rec., 328 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Adam Phillips, 139 tkls. Sacks: Nathan Vollbracht, 4 sacks Ints.: Treven Humphries, Adam Phillips, 3 INTs ea.
2021 Record: 7-3 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Nick Anderson (7th year, 38-19) Assistants: Jay Kennedy, Branton Smith Offense: Wing Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Xander Hull, OL/DL, 6-2, 255 Sr.; Wyatt Keller, LB/OL, 5-9, 195, Jr.; Lane Loiseau, DB/RB, 6-0, 155, So.; Ty Smith, QB/DB, 5-9, 145, So.
2021 Record: 6-3 / Northern Plains League Head Coach: Drew Duskie (9th year, 27-46) Assistants: N/A Offense: Spread Defense: 2-4 Returning starters: Ian Kresin, RB/LB, 5-9, 180, Jr.; Cooper Duskie, RB/LB, 5-9, 180, Sr.; Eli Hahn, C/ DL, 6-0, 300, Sr.
HARTFORD 2021 Record: 3-5 / Lyon County League Head Coach: Danen Kistner (1st year) Assistants: Kolton Neill West Coast Defense: 3-4 Returning starters: Ali Smith, QB/DB, 5-10, 130, Sr.; Duncan Baker, OL/DE, 6-0, 220, Sr.; Tysin Bulson, WR/LB, 5-10, 150, So.; Nolin Trester, TE/DB, 6-2, 150, So.; Blaine McComsey, OL/DT, 6-1, 220, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Ian Kresin, 639 yds., 10 TDs Passing: None Receiving: None Tackles: Ian Kresin, 63 tkls.; Cooper Duskie, 46 tkls. Sacks: Ian Kresin, 1 sack Interceptions: Ian Kresin, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Coming into the 2022 season we have to replace everyone on the line except at the center position and also we have to replace our QB. Losing six seniors – two that were 8-Man All-Star selection – is going to be tough. We bring back some upperclassmen with varsity experience in seniors Eli Hahn and Cooper Duskie, and junior Ian Kresin, but we will need multiple guys in multiple positions to step up that have little to no varsity experience. Losing an honorable mention All-State QB in Kylan Cunningham and an All-State WR in Jace Schoen will change the look of our offense into a heavy ground game. We should still maintain speed and quickness on both sides of the ball, but will have to convert to a more methodical offensive outlook.”
Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Nathan Vollbracht, RB/LB, 5-10, 200, Sr.; Treven Humphries, WR/DB/KR, 5-9, 160, Sr.; Adam Phillips, LB, 5-7, Sr.; Robert Mason, OL/DL, 6-1, 216, Sr.; Kaleb Dohm, OL, Sr.; Hunter Stroup, OL, Jr.
2021 Record: 3-6 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Nick Fuemmeler (4th year, 12-17; 7th overall, 17-39) Assistants: Derek Shelton Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Braden Simmons, RB/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Kody Goff, OL/DL, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Kelby Windmeyer, RB/LB, 5-11, 155, So. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We’ll be a very young, inexperienced team. We only return two to three players who have much experience, and we will have zero juniors on the roster this year. We’ll have several underclassmen playing significant roles. But we have had a decent summer and these guys have good attitudes. Simmons and Windmeyer both have the potential to have breakout kinds of seasons and if we can grow up fast I think there is a chance to surprise a few folks.”
HIGHLAND-DONIPHAN WEST
Notes: The Thunderhawks ended the most successful three-year run in school history with a loss to Axtell in the 8-Man II championship game. Wheatland started the season with a 62-16 loss at Axtell and ended it with a 44-18 loss to the Eagles.
The Thunderhawks sandwiched 11 straight wins in between with quality playoff victories over Bucklin, South Barber, and perennial power Victoria. Graduation takes a heavy toll as the Thunderhawks bid farewell to four multi-season senior standouts.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 133 (785) 377-2224Hanover 124 N. Kansas • Frankfort, KS www.fnbfrankfortks.com785-292-4433 Frankfort, Kansas OurDownloadMobileApp! USDTomorrow!LearningToday,Leading300SOUTH CENTRAL DOWNS-LAKESIDE FRANKFORT GRAINFIELD-WHEATLAND/GRINNELL HANOVER
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Lane Loiseau, 300+ yds., 4 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Wyatt Keller, 51 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We will be one of the younger teams in the state with only one to two seniors and are going to rely on a lot of young guys or guys with no varsity experience. We will go through some growing pains early, but I expect us to improve vastly over the course of the season. I love the depth that we could have and I expect to give a ton of kids opportunities to compete. We have some talented younger guys, it’s just going to take some time for them to get accustomed to the speed and physicality of varsity football. Whether or not we can compete for a spot in postseason play will be determined by our growth, not only as football players, but as young men.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Ali Smith Passing: Ali Smith Receiving: N/A Tackles: Ali Smith, 55 tkls. Sacks: Duncan Baker, 3 sacks Interceptions: Ali Smith, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We need to compete as hard as we can every single day. We have a lot of talented youth on this team and we need to be able to get better every day. For us to be able to succeed, our young guys who are stepping up into big roles this year will need to be consistent. We have a lot of speed that we will be putting on the field and we have to be able to take advantage of that.”
Now, coach Nick Anderson faces the 2022 season having graduated the winningest class in Frankfort 8-Man history, with six graduates who helped the Wildcats to 29 wins in that span. Anderson said the Wildcats were plagued with injuries last season which did allow several younger players to get varsity experience, including Ty Smith, who started at QB for the last half of the season.
2021 Record: 6-4 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Matt Heuer (18th year, 167-31) Assistants: Chris Beikmann, John Bruna Offense: Option Run Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Josh Zarbnicky, E/LB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Tragan Graff, OL/DL, 6-0, 210, Sr.; Cole Meyer, OL/LB, 6-0, 160, Sr.; Chase Bruna, WR/DB, 6-1, 170, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Josh Zarbnicky, 24 rec., 620 yds., 12 TDs Tackles: Cole Meyer, 83 tkls.; Josh Zarbnicky, 80 tkls.; Chase Bruna, 58 tkls. Sacks: Josh Zarbnicky, Tragan Graff, 1 sack ea. Ints.: Chase Bruna, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “I think this year’s team has a chance to be competitive, but we will have to stay healthy and we will also have to have some kids step up on the field and become leaders. This year we will have very little size and lower numbers again, but as always we will look to capitalize on our strengths and the opportunities we get. Overall I feel like this team has the ability to have a very good season and it has me excited at the opportunity to coach them. However, we must stay focused and also find ways to fill the holes left by last year’s seniors. This means we need to have players step up and solidify each side of the ball. Our schedule will once again be tough but we will look to try and make it another successful season for Hanover Wildcat football.”
Notes: Nick Fuemmeler ascends to the head coaching position at Doniphan West for the second time in his career after spending last season as an assistant with the program. Fuemmeler previously served as the head coach for the Mustangs from 2011 to 2013 and was the head coach at his alma mater, Atchison County Community, from 2014 to 2016. He inherits a Doniphan West team that entered last fall with great optimism thanks to the return of seven multi-season senior starters led by quarterback Trent Spiker. The offense was solid for the Mustangs scoring at least 28 points in seven of nine games, but the defense could not hold up its end of the bargain allowing at least 36 points in all six losses. Outside of blowouts at the hands of state powers Clifton-Clyde and Canton-Galva the Mustangs were extremely competitive with ultra-close losses to Bishop LeBlond (Mo., 56-50), Washington County (44-36), and Burlingame (36-28, OT). With just three experienced players returning, and a brutal district that features Axtell, Hanover, and Frankfort, it could be a challenging first year of part two at D-West for Fuemmeler.
Notes: Frankfort won a playoff game last fall for the fourth consecutive season, the first time for the program since the late 1990s. The Wildcats also beat Hanover for the first time since 2011.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Nathan Vollbracht, 15 car., 38 yds., 6 TDs
Notes: The loss of big play quarterback and wide receiver combo Kylan Cunningham and Jace Schoen will change the Knights’ offensive approach this fall. Returning running backs Ian Kresin and Cooper Duskie provide a nice mix of power and speed, but several new blockers will need to emerge. Kresin also returns as one of the top junior linebackers in 8-Man II but many new faces will be needed on defense as well. The Knights will have their hands full in District 4 with Osborne and BSJT the favorites.
www.cunninghamtelephoneandcable.com220WMain•GlenElder,KS•1.800.287.8495 LockerLockerGrinnellGrinnellPlantPlant Ph: 800.272.1411Ph: 800.272.1411 SupportingThunderhawks!the Wheatland-GrinnellBoosterClub B and W Electric 105 W. North St. • Hanover, KS 785-337-2598 “Proud supporters of Hanover athletics!” Todd Clover, Agent Phone: 785-738-2551 1613 Quivira (785)Washington,RdKS325-2232 SIX brunaimplementco.comLOCATIONS Joel Benson, CPA jmbensoncpa@yahoo.comOffice:(785)827-3157Fax:(785)827-31591911 S. Ohio Salina, KS 67401 Benson Accounting Sp e c i a l i z i n g i n s m a l l b u s i n e s s e s Mary Benson, CPA
Offense: Tight I Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Tommy Barnett, WR/LB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Josh Miller, OL/DL, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Brandon Bailey, LB, 5-10, 145, Sr.; Emilio Ibarra, QB/S, 5-10, 140, Jr.; Camden Busatti, OL, 5-8, 220, Jr.; Justus Huff, LB, 6-0, 160, Jr.; Ry Kooiman, DB, 5-9, 145, So.
Notes: Seven starters return to help second year head coach Roberto Ibarra reverse the three-year downward trend that has seen the Cougars’ win totals go from 10 to five to two. Central Christian plays in District 2 which includes recent 8-Man I power Canton-Galva – the heavy district favorite – and an experienced and talented Norwich team, but the Cougars should be competitive with LangdonFairfield and Rural Vista to round out district play. Dual-threat QB Emilio Ibarra will pace the offense this fall after accounting for more than 1,100 yards last season and he’ll have top receiver Tommy Barnett to target in the passing game. Ibarra is also back to lead the defensive backfield where posted 60 tackles and three interceptions a season ago. Three total players who made more than 50 stops return.
LANGDON-FAIRFIELD
2021 Record: 2-7 / Heart of the Plains League Head Coach: Roberto Ibarra (2nd year, 2-7)
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Emilio Ibarra, 354 yds. Passing: Emilio Ibarra, 800 yds. Receiving: Tommy Barnett, 460 yds. Tackles: Emilio Ibarra, 60 tkls.; Josh Miller, 59 tkls.
Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Emilio Ibarra, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “By working hard each day our goal is to win 50 percent of our games. By improving each day our goal will be to make the playoff round this year and by being faithful to the abilities God has given us, we will bring glory to Jesus Christ our Savior. Working as a team and being personally accountable to the team are our keys to success.”
Notes: The Longhorns tore through the first 10 games of the season last fall – with a Week 8 forfeit by Southern Cloud – before hitting the buzzsaw that was eventual State Champion Axtell in the semis. Now Thunder Ridge returns a load of talent to try and take the season one game farther this fall.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Dylan Bice, 122 car., 1,459 yds.; Dalton Bice, 87 car., 622 yds. Passing: Dylan Bice, 61-81, 1,042 yds. Receiving: Jace Randall, 20 rec., 373 yds. Tackles: Dylan Bice, 103 tkls.; Dalton Bice, 95 tkls.; Josh Ferguson, 94 tkls. Sacks: Dalton Bice, 4 sacks Interceptions: Josh Ferguson, 2 INTs
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Seth Pelton, 20 car., 107 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Owen Reece, 32-62, 344 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: Sawyer Bowman, 8 rec., 69 yds. Tackles: Sawyer Bowman, 85 tkls. Sacks: Seth Pelton, 2 sacks Interceptions: Sawyer Bowman, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to improve our fundamentals every week. We want to be a team that practices great and carries it over into the games. This season we hope to get back into the playoffs and be playing our best football at the end of the season.”
2021 Record: 2-7 / Heart of the Plains League Head Coach: Heath Hewitt (7th year, 5-49) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Dylan Metzger, C/DE, Sr.; Jarod Bauman, WR/C, Sr.; Azeka Cochran, FB/LB, Sr.; Zack Zongker, DL, Sr.; Calen Wente, DE, Jr.; Ashtin Cochran, S, Sr.
2021 Record: 9-2 / Lyon County League Head Coach: Brian Hadley (5th year, 30-11) Assistants: Dennis Becker, Jim Jones Offense: Spread Defense: 2-5-1 Returning starters: Landon Grimmet, QB/WR, Sr.; Corey Reese, RB, Jr.; Luke Davies, TE, Sr.; Austin Bailey, OL, Sr.; Isaac Durst, OL, Sr.; Zach Oswald, OL, So.
LEBO LINN 2021 Record: 2-7 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Trevor Kuhlman (2nd year, 2-7) Assistants: Michael Voelker, Michael Rottinghaus, Brett Offense:PetersSpread
Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Ezequiel Ruacho, Slot/LB, 5-9, 140, Sr.; Kreighton Klima, RB/DE, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Cristian Soto, OL/DL, 5-8, 250, Sr.; Jose Lara, WR/CB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Ever Chapparo, OL/DL, 5-11, 210, Sr.; Gavin Turk, QB/LB, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Anthony Ayala, WR/CB, 6-0, 140, Jr.; Will Olson, OL/DL, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Jaxon Welch, OL/DL, 6-1, 230, So.; Conner Ohlde, WR/DE, 6-0, 160, So.
John Struckhoff, Agent Phone: 785-282-3892
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Conner Chamberlain, 91 car., 633 yds., 8 TDs Passing: Peyton Schmidt, 46-109, 802 yds., 19 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Conner Chamberlain, 81 tkls. Sacks: Dylan Haselhorst, 2 sacks Interceptions: Cason Lumez, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “In 2021, Kinsley had its second winning season in a row, going 5-4, and losing to Attica/Argonia in the first round of the playoffs. Losing key pieces in the senior class will hurt, but the Coyotes will have a great amount of experience coming back. Look for a large contribution from the junior class, including Peyton Schmitt, Kaden Arensman, Dylan Haselhorst, Conner Chamberlain, Efrain Holguin, and Cason Lemuz. Dawson Sexton will be the lone returning senior, and will have to step up and fill some big shoes left by the class of 2022. Kinsley starts with three difficult league opponents before entering district play. With six returning starters, the Coyotes are looking to be very competitive within the district. Kinsley drops to 8-Man, Div II for the coming cycle. It’s an exciting time to be a Coyote.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 134
Notes: The Falcons ended a 17-game losing streak in emphatic fashion in a Week 2 win over St. John (50-0) last fall. They lost the next five matchups before winning a rematch with St. John, with a near identical result (46-0), to close the season. The Falcons struggled offensively in the seven losses on the season, never scoring more than 18 points while twice getting shutout and thrice scoring just once. The Falcons return six experienced starters to search for more wins this fall where they will compete in 8-Man II District 2 with favorites Canton-Galva – who moves down from Division I after an excellent run of success – and Norwich and rival Central Christian. Wheat State League member Rural Vista is also part of the district.
Returning starters: Peyton Schmidt, QB/DB, 175, Jr.; Dylan Haselhorst, TE/LB, 205, Jr.; Kaden Arensman, OL/DL, 195, Jr.; Conner Chamberlain, HB/DB, 165, Jr.; Cason Lumez, WR/DB, 140, Jr.; Efrain Holguin, OL/DL, 215, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Corey Reese, 46 car., 412 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Landon Grimmett, 12-17, 147 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Landon Grimmett, 24 rec., 541 yds., 10 TDs; Luke Davies, 20 rec., 365 yds., 7 TDs
2021 Record: 4-5 / SPIAA Head Coach: Matt Housman (13th year, 92-33; 14th overall, 98-36) Assistants: N/A Offense: Offset T Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Sawyer Bowman, E/LB, 6-1, 192, Sr.; Matt Patterson, G/DL, 5-10, 230, Jr.
KIOWA-SOUTH BARBER
2021 Record: 9-2 / Heart of the Plains League Head Coach: Matt Cantrell (8th year, 56-16) Assistants: Berton Walz Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Brent Duncan, OL/DL, 6-0, 190, Sr.; Cash Tomberlin, WR/DB, 5-6, 145, Sr.; Briggs Jewell, QB/DB, 6-2, 170, Jr.; Bryson Rathgeber, RB/ LB, 5-10, 170, Jr. Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Briggs Jewell, 527 yds, 7 TDs Passing: Briggs Jewell, 1,340 yds., 22 TDs Receiving: Bryson Rathgeber, 22 rec., 398 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Bryson Rathgeber, Brent Duncan, 70 tkls. Sacks: Brent Duncan, 5 sacks Interceptions: Bryson Rathgeber, Cash Tomberlin, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to win our district and make a deep run in the playoffs. Rebuilding our football team after losing four outstanding seniors from last year is key. We must mature and develop physically up front. Will have to have some young players step up to continue the success that South Barber football has achieved each year.”
2021 Record: 11-1 / Northern Plains League Head Coach: Joel Struckhoff (5th year, 30-11)
Tackles: Corey Reese, 50 tkls. Sacks: Addison Smith, 5 Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We return six starters but we also return multiple guys who contributed throughout the season. We will look to senior Landon Grimmett to lead the charge and replace first team all-league quarterback Kyle Reese. Landon played QB in a limited role last season, but was a honorable mention All-State receiver for us last year with 545 yards receiving and 10 TDs. Joining Landon in the backfield will be returning running back Corey Reese, second team all-league as a sophomore, and we are looking for him to carry the load this season. Another key returning starter is senior Luke Davies. Luke played mostly tight end for us last season, but we will look to get the ball in his hands from multiple positions this season. Luke had 20 catches for 365 yards and 7 TDs to go along with 46.5 tackles and 3 INTs. The Wolves’ offensive and defensive lines will be the strength of our team this year. Senior Austin Bailey, senior Isaac Durst and sophomore Zach Oswald (return). This group averages 230 pounds and is looking to make a statement this season on both sides of the ball. Another guy to keep an eye on this season is junior Kord Kiefer. Kord was a big part of our success on defense with 30 tackles, 7 TFLs and 1 sack.”
Notes: After back-to-back winning seasons expectations are very high at KHS. Six returning starters have the Coyotes in position to challenge for a district title with South Barber the likely favorite and Kinsley nipping at their heels. A strong junior class could make the next two years in Kinsley very fun.
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are going to have a lot of young athletes getting reps at the skill positions this season. Therefore, the success of our team is going to come down to two aspects. Number one is execution of our playbook, and week to week schemes to help put us in the right situation. The second is the grit of our guys up front. With young skill players they will need to really dig in and stick with it so the backs can do their jobs. The good news is we have a nice O-line, above-average size, which should help us out on both sides of the ball.”
HUTCH-CENTRAL CHRISTIAN JETMORE-HODGEMAN CO. KENSINGTON-THUNDER RIDGE KINSLEY 2021 Record: 5-4 / Central Prairie League Head Coach: Corey Dunlap (4th year, 12-15) Assistant: Kyle Burkhart Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-2
Assistants: Mark Barnett, Matt Barnett
Notes: Versatile athlete Gatlin Jewell, offensive linemen Antonio Vasquez and Ruston Erikson and speedy receiver Caden Rathgeber are lost to graduation, but two returning senior starters and two returning junior starters are back to try and continue the streak of seven straight winning seasons under head coach Matt Cantrell. Dual-threat quarterback Briggs Jewell is back as one of the top players in all of 8-Man football and fellow junior Bryson Rathgeber gives him a quality target in the passing game. Senior Brent Duncan returns to lead the defense after posting 70 tackles with five sacks a season ago. Rathgeber and senior Cash Tomberlin return to lead the defensive secondary after grabbing two interceptions a piece a season ago.
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Notes: The Longhorns posted a losing season last fall for the first time since 2008 and veteran coach Matt Housman hopes a move to 8-Man II District 8 will help HC find their way back to their usual destination deep in the playoffs when the season ends. He has just two starters back to help that happen and faces a district with experienced and talented Dighton and Bucklin teams along with Minneola and Satanta. Though the Longhorns lost more games than they won last season, four of the five losses were incredibly close including 50-48 to Bucklin, 54-32 to Wichita County, 30-14 to Spearville, and 23-16 to South Gray. While they were not full-time starters the whole season, the Longhorns do return experience at quarterback (Owen Reece, 6-3, 175, Jr., 344 yards passing) and running back (Seth Pelton, 5-11, 170, Sr., 107 yards rushing). The defense took a big hit from graduation with six of the top eight tacklers now gone, but leader Sawyer Bowman is back after making 75 stops and 2 INTs.
Assistants: Dillon Coomes, Brayton Gillen Offense: Inverted Bone Gun / Trips Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Dylan Bice, QB/DB, 6-2, 190, Sr.; Dalton Bice, RB/DE, 6-1, 200, Sr.; Kaleb Wagenblast, TE/DE, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Brian Shaw, OL/ DL, 6-2, 300, Sr.; Jace Randall, RB/WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Josh Ferguson, OL/LB, 6-2, 220, Jr.; Mason Baker, WR/DB, 6-0, 170, Jr.
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Goals for the 2022 season are to win our district, make the playoffs, and hopefully play in a State Championship. Bringing back seven starters on both sides of the ball puts us ahead of schedule in terms of installing our offense and defense. Leadership by the upperclassmen that set the tone for the rest of the team is key. We want to be efficient, not having turnovers on offense and forcing turnovers on defense, winning the turnover battle each game, limit penalties on offense that stall drives, playing assignment first defense, and overall just having each player do his job. Execution on offense by staying on blocks and running backs reading the blocks and WR running routes on time are also key.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Gavin Turk, 123 yds., 3 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Ezequiel Ruacho, 327 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Ezequiel Ruacho, 70 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Ezequiel Ruacho, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal for 2022 is to continue to build. We feel we were able to establish a good foundation last fall, and have a lot of key contributors back for this season. Our focus is to take each game week by week and focus on being competitive in every game. Our main key will be to stay healthy. We will have more depth than last season, but still need key contributors to be healthy all season.”
Notes: After a couple seasons with not enough numbers to consistently field a team, the Bulldogs are experienced and feature more depth than in the past. Linn won just two games last season but also narrowly missed picking up two more wins with a 52-50 Week 5 loss to Blue Valley-Randolph and a 40-36 Week 9 loss to Rock Hills. Now the Bulldogs will try to win those close games with a whopping 10 players back that started at some point last season. Senior Ezequiel Ruacho is one to watch after he led the team in receiving, tackles and INTs last fall.
Notes: Max Micknaus helped the Wildcats to a threewin improvement last fall and watched MVHS play in three of the highest scoring games in the state with Week 2 and Week 7 losses to Colony-Crest (86-50) and Yates Center (88-52) and a Week 6 victory over Oswego, 106-98, that set the 8-Man record for points in a single game. Micknaus has to replace 1,100 yard passer Garrett Henderson and top tackler Quincy Adams, but much of the other production returns led by six returning senior starters. Even with all that experience it’s a pair of sophomores that could provide the most exciting viewing for Wildcat fans. QB Brayden Lawson will take the reins from Henderson while also returning to his starting linebacker spot, while Jadon Granere is back as the top returning rusher, receiver, and DB. Senior Bryce Ensminger is back to anchor the font lines.
Rushing: Ryan Baker Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Ryan Baker Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We graduated six seniors who played a lot, and at some key positions. Our goal is to always make the playoffs. Our key to success is going to be how quickly we can replace the outgoing seniors. We will have a new quarterback, wide receiver, secondary and linebackers. These players will have to adapt quickly and find a new leader for our team.”
2021 Record: 4-5 / Three Rivers League Head Coach: Max Mickunas (2nd year, 4-5) Assistants: Gavin Cole, Derek Scharff Offense: Shotgun Hybrid Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Brayden Lawson, QB/LB, 6-1, 185, So.; Jaedon Granere, WR/DB, 5-9, 160, So.; Dylan Drake, WR/DB, 6-4, 165, Sr.; Evan Kent, OL/ DL, 6-4, 240, Sr.; Caesar Morales, OL/DL, 5-9, 250, Sr.; Bryce Ensiminger, OL/DL, 6-1, 195, Sr.; Daniel Fewins, OL/DL, 5-8, 200, Sr.; George Morre, RB/DB, 5-7, 155, Sr.
2021 Record: 5-3 / Heart of the Plains League Head Coach: Mike Wilmott (8th year, 29-34) Assistants: Nick Kyle Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Dax Rosenhagen, RB/LB, 5-6, 135, Sr.; Jace Gosch, TE/DE, 6-3, 200, Sr.; Tray Schroeder, RB/DB, 5-10, 145, Jr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 135 www.pizzahut.com ORDER ONLINE AT locations in Dodge City, Garden City and Liberal! Download the Pizza Hut app to find deals, earn rewards and order your favorite Pizza, Pasta, Breadsticks, Wings and Desserts! www.garrettinsurance.com MORAN-MARMATON VALLEY
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Tray Schroeder, 120 car., 661 yds., 10 TDs; Jace Gosch, 89 car., 630 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Tray Schroeder, 59-111, 762 yds., 11 TDs Receiving: Jace Gosch, 24 rec., 277 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Jace Gosch, 54 tkls.; Dax Rosenhagen, 46 tkls. Sacks: Dax Rosenhagen, 2 Ints.: Tray Schroeder, 6 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We graduated six seniors and our entire (offensive and defensive lines). We will be looking for some younger guys to step up and fill these roles. We return a good group of skill guys that can make plays. This year’s senior class comes in with a lot of varsity playing experience, and they will be great leaders for our younger players. We are excited about the opportunities ahead.”
Notes: The Eagles graduated a good group of six seniors – led by defensive standouts Chance Hilger and Judson Hibbs – from a team that went 5-3 and was very close to a much better season last fall. After a Week 1 loss to Argonia/Attica the Eagles edged South Barber, 26-24, and then fell by two-points to Caldwell, 36-34. After three straight high scoring wins, and a pair of cancellations, the Eagles were able to pickup a playoff win over Sylvan-Lucas in the squad’s second victory over the Mustangs of the season. The second round of the playoffs saw the Eagles fall by eight, 20-12, in a rematch with South Barber. If Mike Wilmott can find bodies on the offensive line his squad should score points behind dual-threat QB Tray Schroeder, a junior, and versatile athlete Jace Gosch, a senior.
Notes: The Trojans improved to 5-4 from 4-5 in 2020 thanks to dual-threat quarterback Cole Lacey and standout wide receiver Wyatt Lingenfelter, and five other now-graduated senior starters. Graduation now takes much of the offensive and defensive production and many new faces will dtermine the Trojans’ fortunes on the gridiron this fall. Senior running back Ryan Baker returns to work behind a good-sized trio of experienced offensive linemen this fall. Baker is also the top-returning tackler and will man one linebacker spot this fall. Lebo and Colony-Crest are the favorites in District 1 where Marais des Cygnes will also battle Hartford, Marmaton Valley, and St. Paul.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jaedon Granere, 31 car., 387 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Brayden Lawson, 7-16, 79 yds., 2 TDs Receiving: Jaedon Granere, 36 rec., 636 yds., 11 TDs Tackles: Brayden Lawson, 38 tkls. Sacks: Bryce Ensminger, 3 sacks Ints.: Jaedon Granere, 4 Head coach’s outlook for the 2021 season: “We have expectations to compete for a league and district championship and improve on our success from last year.”
NORWICHMINNEOLA
Notes: The Wildcats posted blowout victories over Kiowa County, Ingalls, South Central, and Satanta, and were competitive in losses to Spearville and Bucklin a year ago, but lost a heartbreaker to Quinter, 36-28, to end the season. Veteran Minneola coach Reigo Hahn has enjoyed his best seasons when returning an explosive dual-threat quarterback, and Eli Lang fits that bill. The 6-1, 180 pound junior returns as signal-caller after rushing for 1,567 yards last fall and throwing for 750 more. Mason Pfaff and Noah Deibert provide a pair of quality targets in the passing game, while Deibert also returns as the top tackler and will man one linebacker position and Pfaff is one of the Wildcats’ top defensive backs. The biggest hole to fill is that of graduated defensive lineman Colton Hahn, who led the interior in tackles the past two seasons. Hahn needs to find depth on the O-line if the Wildcats are to challenge Dighton, Bucklin, and Hodgeman County for the District 8 title.
LOGAN/PALCO 2021 Record: 2-6 / Western Kansas League Head Coach: Michael Hensley (2nd year, 2-6) Assistants: Michael Dellimont, Ivan Hartung Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Austin Stohs, RB/LB, 5-11, 175, Sr.; Kyler Martin, WR/DB, 6-0, 155, Sr.; Hayden Gottstine, OL/DL, 6-1, 275, Jr.; Ryan Prewo, OL/LB, 6-1, 200, So.
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Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Eli Lang, 1,567 yds. Passing: Eli Lang, 750 yds. Receiving: Noah Deibert, 400 yds. Tackles: Noah Deibert, 72 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to compete at a high level in a tough district and to play fundamental football. The key to our success will be the turnover ratio. We have to win that battle and be disciplined.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: N/A Passing: N/A Receiving: Kyler Martin, 5 rec., 43 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Hayden Gottstine, 40 tkls. Sacks: Hayden Gottstine, 1 sack Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal for the year is to compete in district play. Our ability to come together as a unit will be key to our success. We will struggle to achieve our goals if we aren’t moving in one direction together.”
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785-346-5451 2021 Record: 6-3 / Northern Plains League Head Coach: Steve Tiernan (8th year, 63-16; 21st overall, 184-42) Assts.: David Strait, Anthony Blair Offense: I-formation Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Doak Guttery, QB/LB, 6-2, 200, Jr.; Connor Schurr, RB/LB, 5-6, 145, Sr.; Nathan Goheen, G/LB, 6-1, 155, Jr.; Sam Kendig, G/S, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Dawson Lantz, DB, 5-10, 150, So. Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Doak Guttery, 76 car., 314 yds., 4 TDs; Connor Schurr, 35 car., 217 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Doak Guttery, 40-79, 631 yds., 10 TDs Receiving: Dawson Lantz, 5 rec., 31 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Nathan Goheen, 66 tkls.; Sam Kendig, 48 tkls.; Doak Guttery, 46 tkls. Sacks: Doak Guttery, 3 sacks; Nathan Goheen, 2 sacks Interceptions: Dawson Lantz, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for the season are to win district and improve. The key to our success will be to stay healthy and have young guys step up.”
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2021 Record: 4-4 / SPIAA Head Coach: Reigo Hahn (11th year, 53-47) Assistants: James Termaat, Pat Williams, Brandon Offense:Cole Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Eli Lang, QB/DB, 6-1, 180, Jr.; Mason Pfaff, WR/DB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Noah Deibert, TE/LB, 6-1, 210, Sr.; Ryan Renner, OL/LB, 5-10, 180, Sr.; Cole Norton, OL/DE, 5-9, 185, So.; Caden Miller, WR/DB, 5-9, 150, Jr.
MELVERN-MARAIS DES CYGNES
Notes: The Bulldogs graduate one of the fastest running backs in Kansas in Mason Schurr, but his brother, Connor, returns to carry much of the load in the backfield this fall after missing several games to injury a year ago. Junior quarterback Doak Guttery should emerge as one of the top players in 8-Man this fall and doubles as a standout linebacker as well. Nathan Goheen and Sam Kendig return along the offensive line – and in the linebacker corps –but veteran coach Steve Tiernan will need to find depth up front if the Bulldogs are to make a deep playoff run. Expect sophomore Dawson Lantz to play a bigger role on offense this year after getting significant reps on defense last fall. Osborne appears in a good position to win a district title thanks to the move of Thunder Ridge to District 6, and Lakeside and Pike Valley taking heavy graduation losses. An experienced St. John’s Catholic team could be the leading challenger to the Bulldogs in district play.
2021 Record: 5-4 / Lyon County League Head Coach: John Bass (2nd year, 5-4) Assistants: Danny Rice, Kris Collins Offense: Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Ryan Baker, RB/LB, 5-9, 175, Sr.; Corey Criss, OL/DL, 6-3, 200, Jr.; Kyler Anschutz, G/TE/DE, 5-10, 220, Sr.; Colton Woodson, OL/DL, 5-10, 180, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders:
Notes: An experienced Logan-Palco team struggled with injuries and illness and posted just two wins a season ago, the first under former Larned defensive coordinator Michael Hensley. While the Trojans suffered three blowout losses at the hands of Lakeside, Wheatland, and Quinter, they also dropped close contests to Sharon Springs-Wallace Co. (50-36), St. Francis (26-22), and Triplains-Brewster (44-28). This year the Trojans will play in District 6 with favorites Thunder Ridge and Wheatland and previously mentioned Wallace County and St. Francis. Hensley welcomes back four returning starters to try and win those close games this season, but only two of them are seniors. L-P will have good size up front in junior Hayden Gottstine and sophomore Ryan Prewo.
Notes: The Panthers graduated significant experience and talent from a 4-5 team that struggled with the best team’s on its schedule a year ago, allowing at least 44 points in all five losses and scoring at least 42 points in all four wins. The biggest hole on the roster is left by graduated of dual-threat quarterback Keaton Reeves who racked up 1,534 passing yards with 14 passing touchdowns and 2,585 rushing yards with 48 rushing touchdowns in his career. Reeves was also a key piece of the Panther defense with 154 career tackles and nine career interceptions from his spot in the defensive backfield. The Panthers will be young this fall as five starters return, but just two of them are seniors. Coach Jeremy Miller will need to find pieces along the offensive line to protect a good group of experienced skill players.
2021 Record: 2-7 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Matt Schreiber (15th year, 34-90) Assistants: Quentin Cravens, Blake Fronce Offense: Spread Defense: 3-4 / 3-2 Returning starters: Skyler Zoeller, WR/DB, 5-11, 160, Sr.; Brock Burgman, RB/LB, 5-11, 170, Sr.; Bryce Hoeltel, OL/DL, 5-11, 225, Sr.; Logan Schanks, TE/OL/DE, 6-2, 190, Sr.; AJ Cassel, OL/DL, 6-2, 230, Sr.; Landon Schreiber, QB/DE, 5-11, 190, Jr.; Dakota Krause, OL/DL, 6-3, 195, Jr.; Kegan Braddock, OL/ LB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Trenton Schwerdt, RB/DB, 5-10, 155, Jr.; Landon Sump, WR/LB, 5-10, 150, So., Trace Sump, RB/DB, 5-10, 155, So.
Returning starters: Kacen Anthony, QB/LB, 6-1, 220, Sr.; Edwin Arana, RB/LB, 5-8, 195, Jr.; Joseph Anderson, RB/DE, 6-0, 195, Jr.; Victor Manriquez, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Roberto Salazar, WR/DB, 5-8, 165, Sr.; Aiden Miramontes, OG, 5-10, 175, Jr.; Angel Munoz, S, 5-9, 165, Sr.; Isaiah Manriquez, S, 5-7, 155, So.
ST. JOHN-HUDSON
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Alex Robison, 20 car., 106 yds., 4 TDs Passing: N/A Receiving: Alex Robison, 16 rec., 247 yds., 1 TD; Andy Cooper, 9 rec., 154 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Max Rickard, 44 tkls.; Kael Marquis, 31 tkls. Sacks: Kael Marquis, 8 sacks; Miles Rickard, 7 sacks Interceptions: Alex Robison, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to win district and make a deep run in the playoffs. With a completely new lineup we need to gain confidence early by minimizing mistakes, scoring often, making consistent stops on defense, and staying healthy.”
Notes: With 11 returning starters the Rams are poised for a breakout season and hope to post at least five wins for the first time since 2018, and only the third time since 2013. District 3 is tough with Axtell, Hanover, and Frankfort the favorites.
Notes: After graduation wiped out one of the most successful classes in St. Francis football history the Indians not unsurprisingly took some lumps last fall. Second-year coach Grant Wiegers welcomes back five players with starting experience to help get the train back on the right track this fall. The Indians will still be quite young though, with only one returning senior starter and a number of freshman expected to play. Fortunately for Wiegers one of those returning starters is senior Preston Witzel, who rushed for nearly 800 yards and six TDs and also made four interceptions on defense. Junior Colton Raile is the top returning tackler with 49 stops a year ago.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Ethan Graff, 19 car., 276 yds., 2 TDs Passing: None Receiving: Eston Juno, 20 rec., 215 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Ky Schwartz, 70 tkls.; Eston Juno, 55 tkls. Sacks: Eston Juno, 2 sacks Interceptions: Ethan Graff, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to push ourselves daily to become better athletes, students, active community members and make postseason play. To be successful we need to have hard work, dedication, and work together as a team.”
Interceptions: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A
SATANTARURAL VISTA (WHITE CITY/HOPE) 2021 Record: 0-6 / Wheat State League Head Coach: Brian Henry (4th year, 2-20)
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We want Week 9 of the season to be a playoff game. We are ready to face some of the toughest competition across the state of Kansas and in the Twin Valley League. We are ready to improve on a 2-7 2021 season and show our commitment from offseason workouts and the weight room. We are more comfortable going into our second season with a new offensive play set with 11 returning lettermen. We return our leading offensive threats which will allow us to attack opposing defenses and be able to run the ball in between the tackles as well as get the ball to our wide receivers in space. We need to continue to work on flowing to the ball on defense and making big stops when needed.”
Offense: Pro Defense: 3-2-3 Returning starters: Andy Cooper, WR/DB, 6-2, 160, So.; Elijah Field, QB/LB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Alex Robison, RB/DB, 5-8, 145, Sr.; Kael Marquis, OL/DE, 6-0, 185, Sr.; Miles Rickard, RB/LB, 5-10, 150, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brock Burgman, 750 yds., 10 TDs Passing: Landon Schreiber, 1,100 yds., 17 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Brock Burgman, 104 tkls.; Landon Schreiber, 95 tkls.; Landon Sump, 78 tkls.
WHEELER, KS
Notes: Satanta coach Kelly Anthony has to look no further than his dinner table at home to discuss the next game with his son, Kacen, a senior quarterback and linebacker for the Indians who will try to help his dad lead the green and gold to more than two wins for the first time since a 4-5 finish in 2018. The younger Anthony returns to his role as signal-caller after rushing for 821 yards and four touchdowns last season and passing for 663 yards and five more scores. He also led the defense with 84 tackles last fall. Kacen is one of eight returning starters who will try to help the Indians complete in a tough district with favorites Dighton and Bucklin, along with an experienced Minneola squad that features talented junior quarterback Eli Lang, and a traditionally strong Hodgeman County team that drops from 8-Man II. Kelly Anthony is in the third season as the head coach at Satanta after 2-7 and 0-7 seasons the last two years. The Indians ended on a high note last year winning two of their last three games with a 48-0 victory over St. Francis in Week 9.
VALLEY 2021 Record: 3-6 / Northwest Kansas League Head Coach: Kyle Gfeller (1st year) Assistants: Landon Johnson, Dennis Gfeller Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Cade Johnson, QB/FS, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Tyler Korbe, RB/LB, 5-9, 165, Jr.; Braedon Mckain, C/DL, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Ace Edwards, TE/DL, 5-9, 170, Jr.; Jarren Rains, OL/DL, 5-10,165, Jr.; Kean Dinkel, TE/CB, 5-8, 145, Jr.; Travis Korbe, DB, 5-10, 165, So.
2021 Record: 0-9 / Central Prairie League Head Coach: Justin Nusser (3rd year, 2-14) Assistant: Danton Hilton Offense: Single Wing Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Caden McCandless, RB/LB, 5-10, 195, Sr.; Marco Ibarra, QB/DE, 5-9, 185, Sr.; Angel Ibarra, R/CB, 5-10, 160, Sr.; Randy Calvillo, OL/DL, 5-6, 220, Jr.; Conner Gillespie, OL/DL, 5-7, 220, Sr.; Tegan Tanner, OL/DL, 6-3, 230, Jr.; Alan Valenzuela, R/CB, 6-2, 160, Jr.
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Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Tyler Korbe, 134 car., 839 yds., 8 TDs; Cade Johnson, 127 car., 580 yds., 12 TDs Passing: Cade Johnson, 49-101, 748 yds., 11 TDs Receiving: Tyler Korbe, 17 rec., 167 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Cade Johnson, 121 tkls.; Tyle Korbe, 72 tkls.; Travis Korbe, 62 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Cade Johnson, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to compete every game until the final horn. To be successful we need to handle the offensive line and defensive line.”
SHARON SPRINGS-WALLACE CO. ST. FRANCIS 2021 Record: 1-8 / Northwest Kansas League Head Coach: Grant Wiegers (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: Brock Waters, Luke Emerson Offense: Balanced Spread Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Jordan Smull, C/DL, 5-7, 184, Jr.; Colton Raile, G/DL, 6-0, 188, Jr.; Connor Wachsmann, G/DL, 5-11, 180, Jr.; Preston Witzel, RB/DB, 5-10, 176, Sr.; Ian Taylor, WR/DB, 5-9, 148, Jr.
Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Dylan Johnston, RB/TE/DB, Jr.; Lane Barrett, OL/C/DL, Sr.; Gavin Carson, OL/DL, So.; Logan Tate, RB/LB/DB, So.; Nathan Traynor, QB. So.; Landon Parker, TE/DB, So.; Cody Brown, OL/DL, Jr.; Zach Andres, DB, Jr.; Kaleb Hollmon, LB, Sr. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We graduated one senior and only have two this year. We will be young again. A lot of players were forced to play last year because of a lack of numbers. With possibly 12 to 15 new players coming out this year, most of them freshmen, there will actually be competition at positions. Also, we will play at least four JV games which will help develop talent.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “After a struggling season in 2021 we are looking to bounce back and compete. Compete every play, play by play. Our seniors would like to step up and help take us to another level, with their leadership we will compete with pride. Our key to success will be playing at a fast and controlled tempo, ball security, and execution.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Preston Witzel, 127 car., 779 yds., 6 TDs Passing: Preston Witzel, 20-54, 302 yds., 4 TDs Receiving: Ian Taylor, 10 rec., 187 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Colton Raile, 49 tkls.; Preston Witzel, 38 tkls. Sacks: Colton Raile, 2 sacks Interceptions: Preston Witzel, 4 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We look to take a big step forward from last year. We want to be a more balanced offense and be able to spread the ball around. We want to be competitive in every game we play. The key to our success is how quickly our freshman can make an impact at the Varsity level. We will likely start a freshman QB, and we could see five to six freshman getting varsity action.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 136
Notes: The Tigers enter the season having won just two of the last 38 games, both in the 2020 season. Last season was particularly challenging as the Tigers scored just 38 points on the season and all of that came in three games. SJHS was shut out in six contests. Seven returning starters are back to help third year coach Justin Nusser right the ship, five of them are seniors.
RANDOLPH-BLUE VALLEY 2021 Record: 4-5 / Central Prairie League Head Coach: Tom Lumpkins (1st year) Assistant: Taylor Offense:RichterWing T Defense: 3-4 Blitz Returning starters: Ky Schwartz, RB/DB, Sr.; Ethan Graff, WR/DB, Sr.; Eston Juno, TE/DE/LB, Jr.; Derrick Bishop, OG, Sr.; Logan Maier, OG/DE, So.; Riley Polly, DB, Jr.
Notes: Brian Henry enters his fourth season at Rural Vista having struggled to get numbers out for the team. This year, for the first time in his time leading the Heat, he’ll have decent numbers with the ability to play some junior varsity games. With nine returning starters and 12 to 15 new players out for the team Henry could be in position to help move the Heat forward for the first time since legendary former Hope/Rural Vista coach Jeff Hostetter retired after the 2016 season. Canton-Galva will be the heavy favorite in District 2 with Norwich also in the mix.
2021 Record: 2-6 / SPIAA Head Coach: Kelly Anthony (3rd year, 2-14) Assistants: Seth Anderson, David Enns Offense: Spread/Power Defense: 3-4 / 4-3
Notes: After 17 years and 101 wins Travis Starr steps away from coaching the Otis-Bison Cougars and Tom Lumpkins takes over. Job one for Lumpkins is replacing graduated QB Kaden Foust, who amassed 2,382 passing yards with 30 passing TDs, and 1,700 rushing yards with 30 rushing TDs in his career at Otis-Bison. He was also a defensive leader for the Cougars with 222 career tackles, 10 for losses, and seven career interceptions. Christian Ross (1,824 career all-purpose yards, 165 career tackles) and Dalton Regan (1,134 all-purpose yards, 102 career tackles) also graduated. Lumpkins inherits a team with three returning senior starters in Ky Schwartz (70 tackles), Ethan Graff (276 rushing yards, 1 INT), and Derrick Bishop. A strong group of underclassmen are back to help continue the tradition that saw the Cougars post nine winning seasons in Starr’s 17 years as head coach.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Kacen Anthony, 821 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Kacen Anthony, 663 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: N/A Tackles: Kacen Anthony, 84 tkls. Sacks: N/A
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2021 Record: 4-5 / Northern Plains League Head Coach: Jeremy Miller (5th year, 14-21) Assistants: Brent Melby, Mike Baumann
Notes: Kyle Gfeller takes over the Wallace County football program this fall and inherits a team with significant returning experience. Senior quarterback and free safety Cade Johnson leads the way for the Wildcats after accounting for 1,300 yards of total offense and 121 tackles a season ago. Johnson is joined by a strong junior class which returns five starters to help improve on the Wildcats’ three wins last fall. SS-WC plays in a top-heavy District 6 with favorites Thunder Ridge and Wheatland. The Wildcats beat the other two teams in the district – Logan/Palco and St. Francis – a year ago, and appear to have the experience to do it again this season. Development on the offensive and defensive fronts is key to success for the Wildcats this fall.
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Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to compete every game and put ourselves in a position to compete for a district championship. We will need to develop our young offensive line to be successful.”
Notes: Former Solomon, Axtell, and Osborne assistant Mitch Engelken takes over the Stafford program and inherits a team with significant returning experience and talent. If Engelken gets total buy-in for lessons he’ll pass along from successful 8-Man coaches Steve Tiernan and Eric Detweiler, and if his senior standouts stay healthy and provide leadership, it could be an excellent first season for him at Stafford. Fortunately for Engelken the Trojans play in what appears to be one of the most wide-open districts in 8-Man with South Barber the likely favorites and Kinsley and Stafford nipping at the Chieftains heels.
2021 Record: 5-4 / Heart of the Plains Head Coach: Mitch Engelken (1st year) Assistants: Jeff Lowther, Jimmy Brozek, Mark Soria Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Dylan Gantz, QB/LB, 6-0, 205, Sr.; Josh Hildebrand, WR/DE, 6-4, 200, Sr.; Ashton Harter, OL/DL, 5-11, 220, Sr.; Colson Minks, WR/ DB, 5-10, 150, Sr.; Zander Nickelson, RB/LB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Axel Ortiz, OL/DL, 5-10, 220, Jr.; Brody Kerschenske, FB/DE, 6-4, 215, Jr.; Alexis Garcia, OL/DL, 5-9, 200, Jr.
2021 Record: 6-4 / Three Rivers League Head Coach: Keith Wiatrak (9th year, 57-26) Assistants: Joe Saia Offense: Mixed Spread / I-formation Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Kiser Wiatrak, RB/LB, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Trey Peter, QB, 6-2, 170, Sr.; Landon Beachner, WR, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Vincent Smith, RB, 5-9, 170, Sr.; Zachary Kirkpatrick, OL, 6-3, 250, Jr.; Matthew Lestikow, OL, 5-10, 195, Jr.; Cooper Newberry, C, 5-10, 220, Jr.
Notes: Five starters are back to help the Knights try to produce a third straight season with double-digit wins. Running back Carson Werth is back to power the running game and Thaddeus Wholer returns to orchestrate the offense from the quarterback spot. Werth also returns as the leading tackler while Wohler returns to the defensive backfield after making four interceptions a year ago. The key to success for the Knights this fall will be the development of new faces up front on both lines. The Knights are the favorites in District 5.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Trey Peter, 564 yds., 5 TDs; Kiser Wiatrak, 354 yds., 4 TDs Passing: Trey Peter, 752 yds., 15 TDs Receiving: Landon Beachner, 363 yds., 6 TDs Tackles: Kiser Wiatrak, 63 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Trey Peter, 2 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to make it to the playoffs and build off of the success we had last year. Our team strength is our overall team speed and our senior leadership.”
2021 Record: 5-4 / Northern Plains League
Head Coach: Ben Labertew (8th year, 53-42) Assistants: Craig Batchman, Eric Nitsch Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Geriun Boor, LB/RB, 5-11, 185, Sr.; Valden Dohl, E/DB, 6-2, 180, Sr.; Lane Homewood, QB/DB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Brody Batchman, E/LB, 6-1, 170, Jr.; Matt Lawson, OL/DL, 6-1, 185, Jr.; Blane Lamb, DL, 5-7, 165, Jr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Geriun Boor, 93 car., 874 yds., 13 TDs Passing: Lane Homewood, 32-52, 533 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Valden Dohl, 101 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Brody Batchman, 62 tkls. Interceptions: Valden Dohl, Brody Batchman, 2 INTs ea.
Notes: The key to the season for the Mustangs will again be the development of talent and depth along the line of scrimmage. If eighth-year head coach Ben Labertew can plug the holes up front the skill playes are there to be competitive with the bulk of the schedule. Geriun Boor is back after consecutive seasons with at least 800 yards rushing and 30 total rushing touchdowns the last two seasons. Quarterback Lane Homewood is back under center after throwing for 500 yards a year ago. Brody Batchman and Boor return to lead the defense from the linebacker positions.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Dylan Gantz, 104 car., 574 yds., 7 TDs Passing: Dylan Gantz, 21-42, 327 yds., 7 TDs Receiving: Josh Hildebrand, 9 rec., 98 yds., 3 TDs Tackles: Dylan Gantz, 71 tkls.; Josh Hildebrand, 68 tkls. Ints.: Colson Minks, 3 INTs; Dylan Gantz, 2 INTs
Notes: After a rare losing season in 2020 the Indians returned to their usual location above .500 last fall. Ninth-year coach Keith Wiatrak now enters the 2022 season with an experienced squad led by four returning senior starters and three juniors. The Indians will have size and experience on the line and quarterback Trey Peter, wide receiver Landon Beachner, and running back Kiser Wiatrak return with two years of production under their belts. Peter and Wiatrak also return to lead the defense. The Indians appear ready to challenge for the District 1 title along with likely favorites Lebo and Colony-Crest.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 137 ST. PAUL STAFFORD SYLVAN-LUCAS VICTORIA
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “It will be a difficult challenge to replace the four seniors lost to graduation, but our overall goals will be to play fast, play together, and be assignment sound. We have good size and athleticism and several players with solid varsity experience returning. In my first year at Stafford I want to build positive impactful relationships with each of my players first, and motivate them to give their best effort each day. Overall, we will do everything possible to limit and learn from our mistakes while finding ways to play through our strengths.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Carson Werth, 128 car., 1,108 yds., 16 TDs Passing: Thaddeus Wohler, 30-55, 480 yds., 7 TDs Receiving: Seth Schwein, 17 rec., 337 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: Carson Werth, 81 tkls. Sacks: Carson Werth, 6 sacks Ints.: Thaddeus Wohler, 4 INTs
Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to improve everyday, improve leadership, and be playing our best football at the end of the year. To be successful we need leadership, to function as a team over individuals, and young players have to step up and contribute.”
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2021 Record: 10-2 / Central Prairie League Head Coach: Doug Oberle (17th year, 143-35) Assistants: Zach VonLintel, Jacob Klipp Offense: Veer Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Vance Hockersmith, DL/OL, 5-7, 190, Sr.; Taylor Anderson, TE/CB, 5-6, 155, Sr.; Carson Werth, RB/LB, 5-7, 150, Sr.; Thaddeus Wohler, QB/S, 5-11, 165, Sr.; Seth Schwein, TE/DE, 6-1, 188, Jr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 138
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Kobe Wendt, 34 car., 222 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Kobe Wendt, 21-32, 355 yds., 5 TDs Receiving: Micah Wendt, 5 rec., 39 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Kyler Deville, 25 tkls. Interceptions: Kobe Wendt, 1 INT Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We need to be better tacklers in space and we must be able to be more effective with the running game. We have some guys that have grown and gotten stronger and will bring back some valuable experience. We want to be able to post a winning record in our nondistrict season and our district season. It is important that we have strong leadership from our returning letterwinners. Each week we plan on improving and building on the experiences from the previous week. If we can do that, and maintain solid consistency, then we believe we have a chance to compete at a higher level than in the years past. We have to stay healthy and we must be mentally tough.”
2021 Record: 1-6 / Wheat State League Head Coach: Chris Freeman (14th year, 56-61)
WAKEFIELD 2021 Record: 1-8 / Northern Plains League Head Coach: Tony Brokes (26th year, 94-142) Assistants: Ted Long Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Noah Crawford, 6-3, 160, Sr.; Memphis Eberhart, 5-9, 145, Sr.; Teagan Thrasher, 5-8, 165, Jr.; Cade Brokes, 6-2, 210, So.; Briceson Pasek, 5-10, 180, So.; Connor Charvat, 5-9, 160, So.; Scott Anderson, 6-0, 155, So.; Tage Woomansee, 6-0, 165, So.; Henry Kingsbury, 5-10, 165, Jr.; Colin Connell, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Aiden Watts, 6-0, 200, Jr.; Zane Modline, 5-10, 140, So.; Malachi Huck, 5-10, 170, Jr.; Alex Huck, 5-9, 190, So. Camron Cook, 5-9, 185, Jr.
Notes: Outside of a win over Chase in Week 5 and an overtime loss to Tescott in Week 3, the Dragons took their lumps last season, being shutout in six of the eight losses. Veteran Wilson coach Tony Brokes was forced to play a number of freshman and sophomores last year and with a season of varsity play under their belt they return to help move the needed for Dragon football. Returning senior starters Noah Crawford and Memphis Eberhart will be looked to for leadership for the underclassmen.
Notes: The Bombers have some key pieces back to help coach Chris Freeman try to win more than three games in a season for the first time since 2017.
Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-2 Returning starters: Connor Ward, OL/DL, 6-6, 230, Sr.; Micah Wendt, TE/LB, 6-2, 185, Sr.; Kobe Wendt, QB/DB, 6-1, 180, So.; Kylar Deville, RB/LB, 5-10, 165, So.; Wyatt uken, DB, 5-11, 160, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “The Dragons will look for production across the field. Team members will have to establish themselves as players early in the season in order for the team to be successful. Defensively the team must unite, create stops, and get the offense back on the field.”
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Assistants: Zack Melius, Jesse Brown
Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3/3-2-1 Returning starters: Logan McCarty, QB/LB, 6-1, 175, Jr.; Pablo Bermudez, WR/RB/DB, 6-0, 175, Jr.; Brady Ketzner, WR/LB, 5-8, 140, Jr.; Eduardo Baca, OL/NT, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Harley McPherson, WR/DB, 6-1, 140, So.
Offense: Run Heavy/Spread Defense: 3-2/2-Front Returning starters: Britt Grigsby, QB/LB, 5-10, 152, Jr.; Kale Harris, RB/LB, 6-0, 165, Jr.; Gus Hink, C/ TE/DL, 6-2, 212, Jr.; Nathan Lynn, DL/FB, 5-9, 150, Sr.; Landen McPhail, RB/LB, 6-1, 150, Jr.; Lathan McPhail, QB/LB, 6-1, 148, So.; Trae Vera, C/TE/DE/ LB, 5-11, 188, Jr.
2021 Record: 7-3 / Western Kansas Liberty League Head Coach: Marvin Gebhard (4th year, 12-15; 5th overall, 16-20) Assistants: Josh Hansen Offense: Strong Right Defense: 2-2 Flex Returning starters: Kenton Thalheim, QB/S, 5-11, 136, Jr.; Brody Preston, End, 5-9, 155, Jr.; Jason Cox, OL, 5-11, 187, Jr.; Jeremiah Hansen, RB, 5-10, 160, Jr.; Kai Cox, C/DE, 5-11, 154, Sr.; Brian Bencomo, DB, 5-9, 130, Sr.; Foster Brands, DE, 6-1, 187, Sr.
Passing: Logan McCarty, 100-163, 1,345 yds., 23 TDs Receiving: Brady Ketzner, 21 rec., 302 yds., 4 TDs; Pablo Bermudez, 22 rec., 294 yds., 5 TDs Tackles: Logan McCarty, 85 Ints.: Logan McCarty, 5 Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to build off a great rebuilding year and make it back to the playoffs. We return a lot of talent and experience from a group that went 3-5. We have all the tools to make another deep postseason run. (We need to) develop our sophomores into big-time starters and playmakers. Our junior class has played significant minutes the last two years, including in some very big playoff games. If we can get our sophomore group to develop and advance as much physically and athletically as our juniors have, we will be a very dangerous team.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jeremiah Hansen, 927 yds. Passing: Kenton Thalheim, 429 yds. Receiving: 394 yds. Tackles: Kenton Thalheim, 63 tkls. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for this year are to win our district and keep improving each week in order to advance deep into the playoffs. To reach our goals, we will have to work hard in the offseason. Everyone needs to get bigger, faster and stronger. Tackling will be a priority this year for us and protecting the football.”
Notes: After posting a losing record in their first year of 6-Man football, Northern Valley got the hang of things last fall and finished 7-3 and fourth place in the Wild West playoffs. The Huskies lost by just one point in the third place game to Ashland, 39-38. Northern Valley was truly the fourth best team in the last year of non-KSHSAA affiliated 6-Man football, losing to eventual champion Natoma, 53-50, in Week 2, and eventual runner-up Cunningham, 57-22 in the playoff semifinals. Kpreps.com 6-Man Co-Coach of the Year Marvin Gebhard will miss graduated KansasPregame.com Top 6 selection Bailey Sides, but virtually every other key player returns, including a trio of seniors in Kai Cox, Brian Bencomo, and Foster Brands, and four juniors. Given that depth, the Huskies should be among the favorites to contend for the first ever KSHSAA 6-Man State Title.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Landen McPhail, 91 car., 700 yds., 15 TDs Passing: Britt Grigsby, 72-121, 1,038 yds., 19 TDs Receiving: Landen McPhail, 24 rec., 324 yds., 4 TDs Tackles: Landen McPhail, 89 tkls.; Britt Grigsby, 83 tkls. Sacks: Lathan McPhail, 5 sacks; Landen McPhail, 4 sacks Interceptions: Britt Grigsby, 3 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “(We want to) continue the momentum the young men have created in our four years of 6-Man by earning a playoff spot, (and) learn and develop through what will be a longer season. We hope our seniors, and especially juniors, leverage their experience from past playoff-level games into what will be a loaded schedule. Staying healthy will be key with a smaller squad, but we feel good about the versatility and athleticism of the guys on the roster.”
Notes: After back-to-back Wild West Bowl appearances, and the 2020 title, the Cougars fell to 3-5 last fall, but were still competitive against the best competition with losses to Ashland (42-32) in Week 3 and eventual champs Natoma (40-32) in Week 6. The Cougs ran out of gas down the stretch dropping back-to-back blowout losses to end the season. Junior Logan McCarty returns as possibly the top player in 6-Man, but the Cougars will miss the loss of teammate John Serrano, who was the victim of a tragic auto accident last October.
ASHLAND 2021 Record: 3-5 / Western Kansas Liberty League Head Coach: Chris Walden (7th year, 35-18) Assistants: Mike McCarty
6-MAN
ALMENA-NORTHERN VALLEY
2021BUFFALO-ALTOONA-MIDWAYRecord: 1-6 / Three Rivers League Head Coach: N/A Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: N/A Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A Notes: Altoona-Midway salvaged a would-be winless season by hammering Chetopa 50-7 in the final game of 2021, a 6-Man contest, after losing to the Hornets 50-44 in Week 4. Two of the Jets final four games were cancelled leaving Altoona-Midway with a 1-6 record on the season. After three seasons and three wins Chad Raida stepped down as head coach and the name of the coach who will inherit one of 6-Man’s new teams was unavailable at press time.
BIRD CITY-CHEYLIN
Ashland was last year’s third place finisher after winning a nail biter in the consolation game 39-38 over Northern Valley, finish ing 8-2 with their only losses against Natoma and Cunningham. Junior QB Brett Grigsby returns as the team’s signal caller after throwing for over 1,000 yards and 19 touchdowns in 2021, and junior running back Landen McPhail returns after rushing for 700 yards with another 324 receiving and 19 TDs in all. McPhail was also responsible for 89 tackles and four sacks as a sophomore. Grigsby added 83 tackles and three interceptions, while sopho more Lathan McPhail had five sacks. After two straight appearances in the Wild West Bowl in 2019 and 2020, with the latter resulting in a State Title, Cheylin took a step back with a 4-5 mark in 2021, despite playing in some hard fought games. Junior Logan McCarty was a vital member of the 2020 State Championship squad as a freshman and had a pro ductive sophomore campaign to follow, throwing for 1,345 yards and running for 551 more with 35 TDs total. His top targets, juniors Pablo Bermudez and Brady Ketzner, combined for just under 600 yards receiving in 2021 and should make for a dangerous duo as they enter their upperclassman seasons. Defensively McCarty led the team with 85 tackles and five interceptions. Northern Valley will miss graduated KansasPregame.com Top 6 selection Bailey Sides, but virtually every other key player re turns, including a trio of seniors in Kai Cox, Brian Bencomo, and Foster Brands, and four juniors. Given that depth, the Huskies should be among the favorites to contend for the first ever KSHSAA 6-Man State Title. Waverly has the best record of any team switching from 8-Man last year to 6-Man this fall after going 7-2 in 2021. Four starters re turn from last year’s squad including junior QB Ben Meehan who threw for 1,185 yards and 17 TDs as a sophomore. His top outlet is senior back Koy Myers, who ran for over 500 yards and had another 162 receiving. Senior tight end and defensive back Brady Wallace and two-way senior lineman Brantley Peterson round out a strong core group for Waverly’s inaugural 6-Man season. Triplains/Brewster has the top college prospect in 6-5, 240 pound senior tight end and defensive end Brock Woolf, but they’ll need speedy athletes to emerge to effectively switch to the 6-Man game. While the team went just 2-6 last season, and graduated their QB and top offensive producer Cayde Welsh, and new head coach Greg Woolf’s team is intriguing as they bring back his son along with three starting linemen and junior skill players Nick Zerr and Koda Kvasnicka. After going 5-3 in 2021, Moscow has back five upperclassmen with starting experience. Head coach Brett Harp showed he could take a team to the title game in 2019 when they rolled to a 52-6 win over Cheylin. In 2020 the Wildcats made a return trip to the Wild West Bowl championship, but lost a lopsided contest with Cheylin. Last season the Wildcats had a hard time stepping up in big games, getting outscored in their three losses 166-26. Centre made the switch to 6-Man in-season last year after inju ries made it impossible to carry on in 8-Man. After losing the first game to eventual State Runner-up Cunnigham in rough fashion they turned around and outscored their final four opponents 22540. Six athletes with starting experience return for the Cougars as they embark on their first full 6-Man season.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 139
By Keegan McCullick & John Baetz, Kansas Pregame After its humble beginnings spearheaded by a Weskan program with dwindling numbers for 8-Man play in 2014, 6-Man football is officially a Kansas State High School Activities sanctioned classi fication for the 2022 season with 26 schools competing for the first “official” State Championship. The 26 teams represent a big jump from the 15 of a season ago. While the state has experimented with the concept of 6-Man since the 1930s, this move gives an opportunity for rural kids across the state to continue playing the sport they love. Natoma was the most recent winner of the “Wild West Bowl” – the moniker given to the 6-Man title game held in Dodge City since 2016 – finishing the year 9-0 after trouncing Cuningham 60-12 in the championship game. Under the new KSHSAA format the title game will no longer carry the Wild West Bowl name, and there will no longer be a third place contest, but back to Natoma. The Tigers have a few harsh realities to address this fall thanks to the graduation of three excellent players in Tracen Frye, Derek George, and Kayden Martinez. New head coach Aaron Murphy, and his assistant Tyler Masters, who served as head coach in the championship game last year, have five seniors with starting experience under their belt, including 6-2, 210 pound standout Javon Letsch, a talented skill player offensively and a punishing tackler on defense. He and his fellow seniors lost considerable offensive and defensive production and will need new faces to fill key roles to make a playoff run. Cunningham was unbeaten right up until their championship bout with Natoma. Their closest game prior to the 60-12 loss was a 44-15 win over Cheylin. With just one major loss to graduation in receiver Isaiah Reed, head coach Lance McGuire’s squad has its entire offensive and defensive line back as well as the back field comebo of QB Trey DeWeese (772 pass yards, 19 TD) and running back Luke McGuire, who gained 1,419 yards passing and rushing with 29 touchdowns. Lane Halderson also returns as one of the team’s best two-way players after gaining 601 yards receiv ing and recording 67 tackles and three interceptions. “Having 6-Man now sanctioned by the KSHSAA gives the schools playing it some legitimacy. The hard work that has been put in by those coaches and the 6-Man Association’s administrators has finally paid off.”
2021 Record: 8-2 / SPIAA Head Coach: Ben Fox (6th year, 28-15) Assistants: Giles Fox, Jeff Chambers
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Logan McCarty, 76 car., 551 yds., 12 TDs
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Notes: After winning all but two contests, and finishing third in the Wild West playoffs in the final year of non-KSHSAA 6-Man football, the Blujays appear ready to contend for the first ever KSHSAA 6-Man title this fall. Sixth-year Ashland coach Ben Fox returns every significant contributor from a season ago including players that provided all 1,515 passing yards and 27 passing TDs, all but four of the 2,028 rushing yards and all 42 rushing TDs, all but 180 of the 1,521 receiving yards and 23 of 27 receiving TDs, and all but 14 of 495 tackles.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 140 Photos by Jodie Wright CHEYLIN COUGAR FOOTBALL CRAFTSMAN CORNER LEVI POCHOP • 785-332-0038 McDonald Grocery 202 Rawlins Ave, McDonald Kansas 785-538-2528 BIRD CITY, 785-734-2567KANSAS PROUD SUPPORTER OF CHEYLIN USD 103 CHEYLINBoosterClub SHULTS CARPENTRY Proud supporters of Cheylin Schools! 1440 County Road 32 Bird City, KS Mike 785-443-3145McCarty CHRIS & ANDREA THOMSON Owners 112 W. Bressler • Bird City, KS 785-734-2050 Hometown Market Bird City, Kansas 1302 Road 27 Bird City, www.nutrien.com785-734-2631KS 2020 Wild West Bowl Champions, 2019 Wild West Bowl Runner-up PLAYING FOR THE NAME ON THE FRONT OF THE JERSEY! THESE SPONSORS ARE PROUD TO SUPPORT CHEYLIN COUGAR FOOTBALL: GOOD LUCK THIS SEASON!
2021 Record: 1-6 / Lyon County League Head Coach: Brian Rand (1st year) Assistants: Jason Offense:Harred Power Defense: N/A Returning starters: Mitchyl Walters, RB/DE, Sr.; Reeston Cox, OL/DL, Jr.; Seth Glue, OL/DL, So.; Tegan Jacobs, OL/DL, Sr.
Offense: T-Offense Defense: 4-2 / 3-3 Returning starters: Blake Carter, QB, 5-6, 150, Jr.; Cauy Ross, WR, 5-9, 145, Jr.; Trenton Farrow, LT, 5-10, 280, Sr.; Skyler Yowell, RT, 6-2, 210, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goal is to get out of our district and into the playoffs. “Our key to success will be mental and physical toughness.”
Notes: For the first time in six years the Kats have the same coach for the second season in a row as Mitch Light enters the second year of his second stint as head coach at Chase. The Kats struggled in their final year of 8-Man, especially early, but six experienced players return, including five seniors, and Light is confident their skills give them a chance to compete in the newly KSHSAA sanctioned 6-Man classification. The Kats will play in District 1 with NPL foes Natoma, Southern Cloud, Tescott, and others.
Notes: The Titans will have a new coach and classification in 2022 as Brian Rand oversees the team’s switch to 6A. The program’s last winning season was in 2018, when Trevor Smith coached them to a 6-4 mark in his first year as the head man on the job. But he was unable to recreate that over the next three seasons as the Titans won just three games in that span, including a 1-13 mark the past two falls. Four returning starters, including a full offensive line, gives Rand a good jumping off point for the team’s first foray into the wide-open 6-Man format. Two seniors and a junior provide some experience and potential leadership for the new coach.
2021 Record: 5-3 / Santa Fe Trail League Head Coach: Brett Harp (5th year, 25-10) Assistants: Shawn Anderson, Ben Clark Offense: Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Jesus Granados, L, Sr.; Alberto Najera, RB/DE, Sr.; Zayden Dorsey, RB/DE, Sr.; Blaze Johnson, QB/S, Sr.; Aidan Cullison, RB/LB, Jr.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 141
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Luke McGuire, 76 car., 690 yds., 11 TDs Passing: Trey DeWeese, 52-93, 772 yds., 19 TDs; Luke McGuire, 46-72, 729 yds., 18 TDs Receiving: Lane Halderson, 32 rec., 601 yds., 7 TDs Tackles: Lane Halderson, 67 tkls.; Dagim Reed, 58 tkls.; Luke McGuire, 57 tkls. Sacks: Jack Ruckle, 2 sacks Interceptions: Luke McGuire, 6 INTs; Dagim Reed, 4 INTs; Trey DeWeese, Lane Halderson, 3 INTs ea.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jesus Amaro Passing: Maverick Najera Receiving: Cesar Ramirez Tackles: Ryan Musil Sacks: Ryan Musil, Cesar Ramirez Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals for the year are to be competitive in every game, be the least penalized team, (and) win. We will be successful if we can use our size to be physically dominant.”
PO
MOSCOW NATOMA
DEERFIELD 2021 Record: 0-7 / Santa Fe Trail League Head Coach: Adam Leroux (2nd year, 0-7) Assistants: Refugio Chairez, Cale Warden
2021 Record: 0-9 / SPIAA Head Coach: Doug Dillingham (1st year) Assistants: Charles Dillingham, Scott Steinmetz Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Will Ast, QB/DB, Sr.; Layton Simon, WR/DB, Sr.; Cole Teeter, OL/DL, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We have several quality young men on this team and we have high goals for this upcoming season. Our goal is to compete and win every game we play this year.”
INGALLS
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “(We want to) continue to develop a solid work ethic and character for all of these young men.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jaden Freisner Passing: Christian Cavender Receiving: Jaden Freisner Tackles: Alex Cavender Head coach’s outlook for the 2021 season: “I believe with our senior leadership and overall team speed, 6-Man is right up our alley. I expect us to be very competitive, and hope to make the playoffs. Our commitment to fitness is going to be the key. 6-Man is an open field game which means lots of running.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Santiago Knepp Passing: N/A Receiving: N/A Tackles: Gentri Holub Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to improve everyday and to get better each game. We will need some of the younger players to step up and develop quickly. Having better summer weight room attendance will also be key, we’ve got to get stronger and faster.”
LOST SPRINGS-CENTRE
BURRTON 2021 Record: 0-8 / Northern Plains League Head Coach: Mitch Light (2nd year, 0-8) Assistant: Michael Offense:BrownSpread
CHASE 2021 Record: 1-8 / Three Rivers League Head Coach: Josh Ghering (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: Jack Vanatta, Marcus Smith
Defense: 2-4 Returning starters: Jaden Freisner, RB, Sr.; Alex Cavender, QB/RB Sr.; Christian Cavender QB/RB, Sr.; Garrett Brady TE, Sr.; Kaiden Strickland, G , Sr.; Jerimiah Davis, G, So.
Notes: After low numbers led to a winless season in 2020, and an early injury left the 2021 season in doubt, the Centre administration ultimately decided to forfeit their original 8-Man schedule and scheduled several 6-Man games to prepare for the move to that classification this season. The season got started with a blowout loss to eventual 6-Man Wild West Bowl runner-up Cunningham in Week 3, but the Cougars closed on a dominant four-game win streak in which they scored at least 52 points in each contest.
Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Jesus Amaro, RB/LB, 5-4, 140, Sr.; Cesar Ramirez, RB/LB, 5-6, 140, Sr.; Maverick Najera, RB/QB/S, 5-4, 145, So.; Elijah Byrne, FB/LB, 6-1, 155, So.; Ryan Musil, QB/FB/LB, 5-9, 155, Sr.; Treyton Hill, G/DE, 5-10, 155, So.; Michael Macias, RB/S, 5-4, 120, Jr.; Irvin Rodriguez, C/DE, 5-11, 200, So.; Gael Arzate, G/DT, 6-2, 235, Sr.
Notes: Graduated standouts Kayden Martinez, Derek George, and Tracen Frye helped lead the Tigers to an unbeaten 6-Man Championship last fall. Now, Aaron Murphy takes over as head coach, and Tyler Masters returns to his assistant role. Five experienced seniors return to help Murphy lead Natoma on another playoff run, now in the new KSHSAA approved 6-Man class. Javon Letsch returns as one of the top players in 6-Man and fellow seniors Ian Mayberry, KC Conlin, Ricky Mayberry, and Jared Griffin will try to take on bigger roles.
Notes: After going winless in his first season at the helm coach Adam Leroux enters 2022 with 10 experienced players back to help the Spartans erase the goose-egg in the win column, including three seniors; running back/linebacker Jesus Amaro, fullback/linebacker Ryan Musil, and big offensive and defensive lineman Gael Arzate, who is 6-2, 235. While Ashland is the heavy-favorite in District 3 the rest of the teams appear somewhat evenly matched with Moscow a past 6-Man champion and Rolla an experienced 6-Man squad, while Ingalls makes its first venture into the 6-Man game.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Noble Phillips, 23 car., 268 yds., 3 TDs Passing: Aiden Hoopes, 167 yds., 3 TDs Receiving: Aiden Hoopes, 40 rec., 580 yds., 10 TDs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Last year was a learning year as a lot of freshmen saw the field. The expectation this year is to take a step forward as we bring back a good chunk of our offensive weapons. Defense will be key, and the difference in winning and losing. Aiden Hoopes will try to build off his solid freshmen year with 16 TDs. Aiden runs great routes and has good hands at WR. Noble Phillips, who joined the team late last year, will be the main running back who brings speed and strength to that position. Overall we hope to take a step in the right direction as we start our third year of 6-Man football.”
2021 Record: 1-7 / Heart of the Plains League Head Coach: Tim McCreedy (1st year) Assts.: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Aiden Hoopes, WR/RB, 5-6, 115, So.; Noble Phillips, RB, 5-7, 130, So.; Jude Barnes, WR, 5-8, 130, Jr.
Notes: Coach Brett Harp has enjoyed a great fouryear stretch as head coach of the Wildcats and is anxious to lead his squad into KSHSAA sanctioned 6-Man play for the first time with an experienced group of players back to help continue the winning tradition. While the Wildcats posted five wins last season, they struggled against the top teams on their schedule, allowing at least 46 points in losses to Ashland in Week 4, Cunningham in Week 6, and Northern Valley in the opening round of the Wild West Bowl playoffs. The Wildcats also couldn’t get much going offensively in those matchups, scoring know than 14 points in any of the three losses. Harp has the pieces to take another shot at a deep playoff run, and though Ashland appears the district favorite, the remainder of the district appears up for grabs.
Notes: Cunningham is now 15-3 in their last two seasons of 6-Man football and appear to have the pieces to challenge for the new KSHSAA 6-Man State Championship after finishing runner-up to Natoma in the Wild West Bowl a season ago. The Wildcats return the overwhelming majority of their offensive and defensive playmakers from a year ago, with the only significant production lost Class of 2022 graduate Isaiah Reed’s 386 receiving yards and eight touchdowns along with his 49 tackles, three sacks, and an interception on defense. The triple-threat of Trey DeWeese, Luke McGuire, and Lane Halderson should be among the most explosive offensive connections in the classification. Halderson is also the top returning defender for the Wildcats, and he’ll get help from McGuire, DeWeese, Jack Ruckle, and sophomore Dagim Reed. Incorporating new players and developing depth will be key to the Wildcats taking the season one-step farther this fall.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: KC Conlin Receiving: Javon Letsch Tackles: Ian Mayberry Sacks: Jared Griffin Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “I definitely have high expectations for this group. Obviously they lost a lot of production from last year’s squad, but there is talent coming back for sure. The seniors definitely have to take ownership and prove they’re more than capable of competing like they did last year.”
CHETOPA CUNNINGHAM 2021 Record: 9-1 / Heart of the Plains League Head Coach: Lance McGuire (N/A) Assistants: Eric Offense:KerschenN/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Lane Halderson, Sr.; Trey DeWeese, Sr; Luke McGuire Jr.; Jack Ruckle, Jr.; Dagim Reed, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are switching to 6-Man this year so we will be learning on the fly. We hope to get better each week.”
LEROY-SOUTHERN COFFEY CO.
2021 Record: 4-1 / Wheat State League Head Coach: Kelly Steiner (14th year, 59-46) Assistants: Jason Stika Offense: Spread Defense: 2-4 Returning starters: Matt Basore, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Gentri Holub, 6-2, 240, Jr.; Kaigan Brewer, 5-8, 170, Jr.; Santiago Knepp, 5-7, 150, Jr.; Nick Krch, 6-0, 150, Jr.; Robert Spohn, 6-0, 160, So.
Notes: Tim McCreedy takes over for C.T. Young and will try to lead the Chargers to improvement in the now KSHSAA sanctioned 6-Man classification with the help of three experienced starters, but the team will still be young with very few upperclassmen.
Notes: Coach Doug Dillingham takes over at Ingalls as they make the move to 6-Man football this fall. Once a consistent winner in the 8-Man ranks, with at least seven wins in every season between 2013 and 2017, the Bulldog program fell on hard times last fall going winless and scoring 12 points or less in seven games, while thrice being shutout. IHS had opportunities to end the losing streak, with a 24-22 loss to Satanta in Week 6, and a 36-28 loss to Logan/Palco to end the season. The Bulldogs are currently mired in a 12-game losing streak and have won just two of the last 21 contests, but Dillingham is optimistic that Ingalls has some “quality young men” who can help get things going in the right direction in the 6-Man game. Ingalls will play in the new 6-Man District 3 with heavy favorite Ashland and experienced 6-Man teams Deerfield, Moscow, and Rolla.
2021 Record: 9-0 / Northern Plains League Head Coach: Aaron Murphy (1st year) Assistant: Tyler Offense:MastersN/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Javon Letsch, WR/DB, 6-2, 210, Sr.; Ian Mayberry, WR/DB, 5-9, 165, Sr.; KC Conlin, RB/LB, 5-8, 175, Sr.; Ricky Mayberry, OL/DE, 6-0, 180, Sr.; Jared Griffin, OL/DE, 6-2, 170, Sr.
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Notes: Chetopa hasn’t seen much success since the brief renaissance for the Green Hornets during the first half of the 2010s under current Labette County head coach Sean Price, which culminated in a 10-1 season in 2014. Ghering and his staff will try and recapture that as they make the move to 6-Man, and return a strong core that includes good size in linemen Trenton Farrow and Skyler Yowell.
Head coach’s outlook for the 2021 season: “The Wildcats have high expectations this season after being runner up last year.”
REXFORD-GOLDEN PLAINS ROLLA 2021 Record: 0-7 / Santa Fe Trail League Head Coach: Jonathan Schnable (7th year, 8-37)
Assistants: Duane Green Offense: Multiple Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Austin Apelu, QB/RB, Sr.; Jaxon Schwiendt, OL/DL, Sr.; Kenneth Fosdick, OL/DL, Sr.; Rylan Williams, RB/WR, Jr.; Jose Alvarado, RB/ WR, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Bryson Schmidt, 265 yds. Passing: Zane Morris, 437 yds. Receiving: Bryson Schmidt, 221 yds. Tackles: Ethan Kennedy, 41 tkls. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to learn and play hard each day. The key to our success is to stay healthy.”
Notes: The Pirates struggled through their first five losses of last season, allowing at least 53 points in each contest, but the offense erupted in the final two games of the season with 95-50 and 94-84 losses to Ashland and Burrton respectively. Rolla enters the 2022 season with more experience, but veteran coach Jonathan Schnable will still field a relatively young team. RHS plays in the five-team District 3, where Ashland is the heavy favorite.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 142 2021 Record: 4-4 / Wheat State League Head Coach: Kody Tegtmeier (5th year, 14-21; 11th overall, 37-44) Assistants: Bob Kyle, Eric Dutton
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Jose Alvarado Passing: Austin Apelu Receiving: Jose Alvarado Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Our goals are to improve every game and to keep competitive in every game. Any success early will be beneficial to a young team. If we can limit mistakes and play sound football we should be okay.”
Head coach’s outlook for the 2021 season: “We will have to replace a lot of experience, so our primary goal for this season is to make sure we get our younger guys acclimated to the varsity level and keep things as simple as possible so they can play fast. We also want to continue to work towards being as competitive as possible in every game. We will need to get our younger guys to be comfortable with the speed of the game and get them to play as fast as possible. After that, we just need to remain assignment sound and work on controlling what is inside of our control.”
ROZEL-PAWNEE HEIGHTS
Notes: Jim Gardner takes over the Pawnee Heights program after two seasons under Keenan Rasmussen. The Tigers were 3-5 last fall but were extremely competitive in three of the losses including Week 1 to Weskan (42-30), Week 2 to Ashland (7438), and Week 5 to Moscow (45-28). PHHS could get quite offensive at times last fall, scoring at least 28 points in the first six games of the season including outbursts of 72, 95, and 69 points in the three victories. Gardner welcomes back four experienced players, but will still be relative young.
Head Coach: Kyle Finder (8th year, 17-39) Asst.: N/A Spread Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Lincoln Shafer, QB/DB, So.; Elias Sherer, OL/DL, So.; Jariath Yanez, LB/WR, Sr.
PEABODY-BURNS
TESCOTT TRIBUNE-GREELEY COUNTY
Notes: The Trojans improved from zero wins in 2020, to two last fall, and hope the move to 6-Man can continue the upward trend thanks to the return of seven players with starting experience, including senior Rhett Robbins, who spent last year focusing on rodeo after leading the team in rushing and tackles as a sophomore. Seniors Blake Green, Nate Ehlers, and Wyatt Gipe, will join Robbins as the core of this squad, along with three juniors, who together will look to help the Trojans compete in District 2 with old NPL foes Chase, Natoma, and Southern Cloud, and three experienced 6-Man teams.
SO. CLOUD (MILTONVALE/GLASCO)
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A
2021 Record: 3-5 / SPIAA Head Coach: Jim Gardner (1st year) Assistants: Phillip Hammeke, Cade Scott Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Eli Hoffman, Jr.; Jimmy Gardner, So.; Dakota Ryan, Sr.; Clayton Hammeke
Notes: Kody Tegtmeier enters his fifth season at Peabody-Burns with a 14-21 overall record, including a 9-8 mark the last two seasons. Tegtmeier welcomes back a group of six experienced seniors to lead Peabody-Burns into their first foray into the newly KSHSAA approved 6-Man game. The Warriors will play in District 1, one of two seven-team 6-Man districts, and this one with all first-time 6-Man teams.
2021 Record: 1-8 / Northern Plains League Head Coach: Jeff Benyshek (1st year) Asst.: N/A
Notes: After switching to 6-Man and posting at least five wins in each season from 2016 to 2020 the Bulldogs fell to 2-7 last season but remained extremely competitive in three of the seven losses with a 54-46 loss to Weskan in Week 2, a 55-32 loss to Greeley County in Week 3, and a 26-13 loss to Moscow in Week 7. Long-time Golden Plains coach Travis Smith enters 2022 with a young and inexperienced team and may take some lumps early as all the faces get up to speed on the 6-Man game. One of the first adopters of the 6-Man format, Smith is excited to see the 6-Man classification now sanctioned by KSHSAA.
Notes: The Jackrabbits went from zero wins in 2020 to two last fall and were seven points from another win dropping a Week 2 matchup with Eads (Colo.) 52-46. GCHS was blown out in the other four losses, but three experienced players are back to try and continue the improvement, this time in the newly KSHSAA sanctioned 6-Man classification. Lincoln Shafer returns at quarterback for the Jackrabbits and he’ll look to carry the momentum of a State Championship on the basketball court into the football season after earning All-Tournament and AllState recognition for his play in the GCHS title run.
2021 Record: 3-2 / Western Kansas Liberty League Head Coach: Joe Spangler (4th year) Asst.: N/A Offense: Veer Defense: 3-3 Returning starters: Brayden Ummel, QB, 5-10, 190, Sr.; Caleb Weeks, RB, 5-9, 140, Jr.; Noah Roemer, DB, 5-10, 165, So. Returning Statistical Leaders: All-Purpose: Caleb Weeks, 862 yds. Tackles: Noah Roemer, 42 tkls. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are excited to have a varsity schedule this year. Last year we had a great group of seniors with exchange students and transfers. We hope to build our program from the hard work they learned and try to be competitive in every game. We look for good things from Caleb Weeks, being our leading rusher last year. We also look for good leadership from Brayden Ummel as our general on the field being our returning QB. Our keys to success including working hard and swarming to the ball, and finding someone that steps up to be our leader with a voice.”
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Carter Peters Passing: Blake Green Receiving: Nate Ehlers Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are finally a mature team with plenty of players with lots of experience, so hopefully that translates into a competitive team who can make it to postseason play. As with all small schools, staying healthy will be very important, and then having some success early so we can build some confidence and momentum.”
2021 Record: 2-5 / Northwest Kansas League
2021 Record: 2-7 / Western Kansas Liberty League Head Coach: Travis Smith (23rd year, 100-108) Assistants: Ed Weiner Offense: Multiple Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Mason Green, 5-10, 160, Sr. Returning Statistical Leaders: Tackles: Mason Green, 21 tkls. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “This will be a rebuilding year for the Bulldogs. With the possibility of only one senior and two juniors on the team, we will be a very young and inexperienced team. Our goals will be to get better each and every day in practice and in games. The keys to our success will be how quickly our underclassman can be game ready. With the possibility that two incoming freshmen, and an inexperienced sophomore group, will be major contributors, we will need to have a strong summer to be ready for Week 1. Along with senior Mason Green, juniors Landon Meier, and Will Bruggeman, sophomores Josh Rath, and Abe Taylor, and incoming freshmen Dylan Wark and Diego Perez will lead the way for the Bulldogs this season.”
Notes: The Bobcats went 3-2 against a junior varsity schedule last fall, a year removed from not having a season at all after only four kids went out to play 6-Man football. Coach Joe Spangler anticipates having enough players to field a varsity team this fall – including three experienced players – and will lead Western Plains into the new KSHSAA sanctioned 6-Man classification in District 4 with Northern Valley, Cheylin, Golden Plains, Greeley County, and Triplains/Brewster. Spangler is fortunate to have an experienced senior quarterback return in Brayden Ummel, and a junior running back who accounted for nearly 900 all-purpose yards last season in Caleb Weeks. Those two pieces are extra important in the high-scoring 6-Man game.
Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Kael Hutchison, E/DE, 6-0, 170, Sr.; Jefferson Glover, OL/DL/RB, 5-10, 240, Sr.; Jessie Talkington, OL/DL, 6-4, 230, Sr.; Colton Gossen, E/RB/LB, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Weston Gaines, C/ NG, 6-2, 300, Sr.; Lukas Spencer, DT, 6-4, 270, Sr.
RANSOM-WESTERN PLAINS/HEALY
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: N/A
Notes: Southern Cloud welcomes a new head coach for the third straight season, but this time the change also includes the move to 6-Man. Jeff Benyshek inherits a team that returns five experienced players, including three seniors who will try to lead the Warriors to improved success with two less players on the field. The Warriors got a solid start to their final season of 8-Man ball, winning their opener against Wilson, 52-8, and scoring 26 points in a 22-point loss to Linn in Week 2, but blowout losses in the next four contests were followed by a pair of forfeits to Osborne and Thunder Ridge before So. Cloud closed the season with a 54-12 loss to Wetmore. Benyshek hopes the Warriors are better equipped to navigate 6-Man District 2 with NPL foes Chase, Natoma, and Tescott, and three experienced 6-Man teams.
Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Levi Cool, E/S, 6-2, 155, Sr.; Zane Morris, QB/LB, 6-2, 200, Sr.; Bryson Schmidt, RB/DE, 6-2, 195, Sr.; Ethan Kennedy, G/DG, 5-11, 170, Jr.; Kye Chase, G/DE, 6-6, 190, So.
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Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Colton Gossen, 5 car., 23 yds. Passing: N/A Receiving: Colton Gossen, 7 rec., 113 yds. Tackling: Colton Gossen, 58 tkls.; Kael Hutchison, 34 tkls. Sacks: Kael Hutchison, 3 sacks Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “Dropping down to the 6-Man ranks, we are looking to be very competitive. We have multiple returning starters and kids that have seen time on the field. Our goal for this upcoming season is to win our district and make a deep 6-Man playoff run.To be successful we need effort. This is the answer every year, our willingness to give max effort every play. 6-Man is even faster than 8-Man football, we will need to be in excellent shape, very disciplined, and quick to learn about the differences and the adversity 6-Man will present us with. We will have to compete our tails off everyday in practice to reach our goals.”
2021 Record: 2-7 / Northern Plains League Head Coach: Daymon Walker (17th year) Assistant: Shawn Offense:PecenkaMultiple Defense: Multiple Returning starters: Blake Green, QB/S, Sr.; Nate Ehlers, E/CB, Sr.; Wyatt Gipe, C/DL, Sr.; Carter Peters, RB/CB, Jr.; Dawson Lee, OL/DL, Jr.; Justin Pasley, OL/DL, Jr.
WETMORE 2021 Record: 5-4 / Western Kansas Liberty League
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Notes: After years of consistent success at the 8-Man level, Waverly appears positioned to enjoy immediate success at the 6-Man level. With four returning starters, including three seniors, with playmakers at quarterback, running back, and tight end, the offense has the potential to produce from the jump. Quarterback Ben Meehan threw for over 1,100 yards a year ago and running back Koy Myers and tight end Brady Wallace combined to catch 36 of Meehan’s 78 completions for 421 yards and five touchdowns. Myers also rushed for 511 yards with nine touchdowns and he’s the top returning tackler after making 87 stops a year ago.
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 143
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Brock Woolf, 63 car., 230 yds., 2 TDs Passing: Brock Woolf, 1-2, 52 yds., 1 TD Receiving: Brock Woolf, 10 rec, 141 yds., 1 TD Tackles: Koda Kvasnicka, 69 tkls.; Brock Woolf, 41 tkls.; Ben Peterson, 38 tkls.; Cort Collins, 30 tkls. Sacks: Ben Peterson, 5 sacks; Cort Collins, Brock Woolf, 1 ea. Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We are excited about the first year of 6-Man. I have coached 11-Man and 8-Man, but this will be the first year in 6-Man. I’ve enjoyed coming up with our offense and seeing how the kids best fit into each position. Brock will be our only senior this year, but we have a strong class of juniors. I’ve assisted Brett (Gfeller) for the past two seasons and know these kids. I coached them in basketball last year as well, and know their strong work ethic and desire to win. They all do exactly what they are told to do with the best of their ability, I can’t ask for more than that. We still are only going to be having around 10 kids out for football, so the kids are going to have to be in shape since most of them won’t be leaving the field
WAVERLY 2021 Record: 1-8 / Twin Valley League Head Coach: Miles Hanzlicek (2nd year, 1-8) Assistants: N/A Offense: N/A Defense: N/A Returning starters: Dierk Hanzlicek, RB, 6-0, 165, Sr.; Kyler Wommack, RB, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Wyatt Cannon, C/G, 5-8, 180, Sr.; Skyler Murrow, G/E, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Alex Rowland, G/E, 6-1, 190, Sr.; Kaden Keifer, G/E, 5-10, 180, Jr.; Weston Schultejans, RB, 5-10, 140, Jr.; Ryan Shuler, G/E, 5-11, 150, So.; Kaden Claycamp, G/E, 6-0, 180, So.
Returning Statistical Leaders: N/A Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “I think we all here at Wetmore are excited with the opportunity to play 6-Man football this year. Our numbers have been dropping and (we believe it) gives us an opportunity to be more competitive. It’s a different game than we’re used to, but it’s still just football in my eyes. We have five returning seniors this year and quite a bit of returning experience. I’ll be honest when I say I’m excited to coach and watch Dierk Hanzlicek (599 total yards) and Kyler Wommack (765 total yards) and see if they pick up where they left off last year. They both worked and ran very well for us last season. Our other three seniors will return to the trenches of our line again and hopefully with another year of experience can dominate up front. If we can keep everyone focused and healthy, I have high hopes for a very successful season.”
2021 Record: 7-2 / Lyon County League Head Coach: Nick Fraenza (4th year, 18-10) Assistants: Tyler Williams Offense: Multiple Defense: 2-4 Returning starters: Ben Meehan, QB/LB, 6-0, 170, Jr.; Brantley Petersen, OL/DL, 5-10, 155, Sr.; Brady Wallace, TE/DB, 6-0, 150, Sr.; Koy Myers, RB/LB, 5-8, 150, Sr.
Returning Statistical Leaders: Rushing: Koy Myers, 511 yds., 9 TDs Passing: Ben Meehan, 78-152, 1,185 yds., 17 TDs Receiving: Koy Myers, 21 rec., 162 yds., 3 TDs; Brady Wallace, 15 rec., 250 yds., 2 TDs Tackles: Koy Myers, 87 tkls. Sacks: N/A Interceptions: Brady Wallace, 5 INTs Head coach’s outlook for the 2022 season: “We always want to go 1-0 each week. If we can do that, we will achieve tons. We need to work together and trust each other to get the job done. That starts in the summer and carries through the season.”
Kansas Pregame 2022, Volume 17 Page 144 tackles for loss, an interception, and two fumble recoveries over eleven games. Junior defensive back Demaria’e Baker is the team’s lone returning starter in the secondary and recorded 41 tackles and two interceptions as a sophomore. Aside from Samé, the defensive line returns junior Mason Hopper after he recorded 30 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and a forced fumble. Senior Leshaon Davis was also listed by Clark as a player expected to get more reps this year after playing sparingly in 2021. “The Derby defensive unit prides itself on getting hats to the football on every snap,” Samé said. “When another team sees piles of green and white jerseys coming off their teammates every play it’s demoralizing and we feed off that. We enjoy celebrating our teammates on big hits and swarm tackles, it makes us want to play for each other more passionately.”
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“This upcoming season will be a little different for our program as we are moving to 8-Man Division II,” Hoppes said. “The first part of the season will feel familiar as we will play our league schools, but after that it will be completely unfamiliar territory for district play and the playoffs. Playing the same teams within our district and even the playoffs for the last five years, you become very familiar with the opposing coaches and players. Now our coaches and kids are going to have to adjust to scouting different opponents as we move forward in DivisionWhoeverII.”the opponent is, it’s likely every Canton-Galva team member concurs with Vincent’s outlook toward this fall. “I’m excited to put the pads on and get that feeling, like ‘ready to ball out!’ It’s going to be fun.”
Beebe is committed to play football at Kansas State after his senior season, joining the second youngest of four brothers, Cooper, a senior preseason All-Big XII offensive lineman. Beebe’s oldest brother Colton also played DI ball for Minnesota as a tight end, while his second oldest brother Collin focused strictly on academics at K-State, but started the trend for Beebe brothers to dawn the purple. Despite having interest from Cincinnati, Iowa State, Nebraska, and others, there were too many factors leading the youngest Beebe brother to Manhattan. “The culture they have there, the coaches, the family aspect to it, and just everything about the town of Manhattan I loved,” Beebe said. “I’ve always wanted to play with one of my brothers since I started playing football. Depending on Cooper’s decision on going pro next year, he has more than earned it and I will support whatever decision he makes.”
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With one high school season remaining and big aspirations beyond that, Beebe is keeping an eye on both the long and short term. “Number one is definitely getting ready and doing everything I can do for my team and my teammates and coaches to get ready for the season,” Beebe said. “Also doing some recruiting and getting some guys to Manhattan.” / continued from page 49 and custom apparel made south-central Kansas 40 N. Buckner, Derby, KS (316)
Another factor for the Eagles as they embark on their 2022 season will be the change in classification, with a drop from 8-Man I to 8-Man II, and while that may seem like an auto matic benefit, the old expression goes ‘better the devil you know, than the devil you don’t’.
In his first two years in the position, Clark went just 6-13. Since 2008 the Panthers have gone 144-26 and over the last nine seasons Derby has ended a season prior to the state title game only once – a 35-28 Sectionals loss to Hutch in 2014 – with six championships and two runner-up trophies. “What makes Derby stand out is our attention to detail and a universal will to get better everyday,” Wash said. “We all know what has to be done and each and every one of us is up for whatever challenge is placed in front of us.” Clark has established a tradition of excellence matched by few other programs in Kansas history, but based on the surefire future Hall of Fame coach’s approach, complacency at Derby shouldn’t be expected any time soon. “Our players grow up in Derby wanting someday to play under the ‘Friday Night Lights,’” Clark said. “It’s a vision they create at a very young age. Every year at our Senior Leadership Retreat our seniors pick out one word that will drive them through the season. For many years I have stuck with the word ‘rookie’ for myself. I tell them I’m going to treat this year like it is my rookie season. I’m going to over prepare. I’m going to be excited for every day and every moment. I’m going to get nervous, I’m going to laugh and cry with them. I then ask them to treat their senior season and the rest of their life in everything they do like it’s their rookie season.” Leading the way on both sides of the ball for Piper is Beebe, a first team All-State offen sive lineman with the ability to dominate on defense as well. “Camden is obviously a huge part of the success of this team this year,” Black said. “He has been very instrumental in me making decisions for this team. His input has been very helpful. I think all of our players look to him for guidance and where Cam goes I believe the team will follow because they know he is in it for the team and has their best interests in mind.”Along with being a leader of the team, Beebe has a frame coupled with solid technique that make him a force up front, but that’s not the only factor that helps him get the best of his“Myopponents.biggeststrength as an offensive lineman is just being downright nasty,” Beebe said. “I feel like as an offensive lineman you gotta be nasty and physical. Also, learning and understanding all the concepts is also one of my biggest strengths.”
“Being fortunate enough to add a player of Jett’s caliber will be a tremendous help in replacing one of the best to ever play the 8-Man game in Tyson Struber,” Hoppes said. “You’re never going to fully replace the production of a kid like Tyson, but Jett playing the same positions on each side of the ball and having the skill sets and talent that he does, will most certainly make the transition easier.”
Canton-Galva’s high-powered offense understandably garners considerable attention, but there is no shortage of talent on defense either with a defensive backfield including Maltbie (41 tkls., 2 TFLs, 2 INTs), Mastre (19.5 tkls., 1 TFL), junior Lane McMannis (55.5 tkls., 3.5 TFLs, 1 INTs), and Vincent, who earned Sports in Kansas Defensive player of the Year honors after recording 103 tackles, two tackles for loss, and six interceptions.
While the Panthers have some big holes to fill up front along an outstanding offensive line that graduated a trio of first team all-league players in Alex Key, Jonas Vickers, and Dylan Conn, along with a pair of first team all-league defensive linemen in Quentin Dorsey and Andon Carpenter, the Panthers consistently find a way to reload.
Piper
for
same things we did with Tyson and using him to bring other guys open,” Maltbie said. Hoppes also sees the importance given Struber’s graduation.
In the wake of longtime Derby football coach Tom Young retiring in 2003, the Panthers had an uncharacteristically unstable few years before Clark was able to right the ship. “I was the fourth head coach Derby had in four years,” Clark said. “I was young, dumb, and naive. Looking back I was definitely not ready for the job, but I had a passion for making Derby High School football the best team it could be. First thing we had to bring back was accountability, and that was nobody’s fault it was lacking. It just happens when you have four coaches in four years.”
Team
As potent as Vincent is on offense he would like to play on the defensive side of the ball in college and he appears a perfect fit for a college secondary with his 6-3, 180 pound frame which helped him to 28 interceptions through his first three high school seasons. Vincent currently holds offers from Bethel and Sterling College, Peru State, Highland Community College, MIAA program Missouri Southern, and most recently Chadron State. On the Eagle D-line, Koehn (74 tkls., 15.5 TFLs, 5 sacks) and Collins (24.5 tkls., 4 TFLs, 2 sacks) return at both end positions, while Nordstrom (54.5 tkls., 4 TFLs, 1 INT) lines up at“Ourlinebacker.biggest strength this year is going to be our experience,” Hoppes said. “We return six of the eight starters on both sides of the ball. We also have nine seniors who have been for tunate enough to be a part of some of the biggest games in Canton-Galva history, including the State Championship in 2019, so they know what it’s going to take in the offseason and during the season to make another deep playoff run. They all have the same goal, which is to leave the program as seniors the same way they came in as freshman, as champions.”
Derby / continued from page 33
Vincent has quickly acclimated to his new environment, with a long list of team workouts and position sessions to show for it. “Jett was able to join us during our team camp, which we have the first week of the sum mer each year, and I was surprised at how well he was able to pick up our system on both sides of the ball,” Hoppes said. “You can definitely tell he is a coach’s son and he loves the game because his football IQ is very high. I have no doubt that by the time we get through this summer with our summer sessions and a couple jamborees, he will know 100 percent (of our playbook) and be ready for the fall.”
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